Cop shoots fellow policeman to death in Bangued, Abra; Motive still unknown

Abra, Philippines – A policeman died after being shot by his colleague at their station on Monday evening, November 10, in Bangued, Abra.

A report from the Bangued Municipal Police Station stated that the shooting occurred around 8:45 p.m. at the Provincial EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) and Canine Unit (PECU) Office in Casamata Hill, Zone 5, Bangued.

Based on the initial investigation, PSSg (Police Staff Sergeant) O’Neal Ryan Calica had just arrived at their office when the incident happened. He was brushing his teeth when PLT (Police Lieutenant) Jamieson Bulatao came out of his room, loaded his firearm, and shot him four times in the left chest.

Bulatao then aimed his gun at another police officer, PSMS (Police Senior Master Sergeant) Edwin Bandoc, and fired but missed. Bandoc returned fire, hitting Bulatao in the chest.

Both Calica and Bulatao were rushed to Seares Memorial Hospital for medical treatment but were declared dead on arrival.

Bulatao, 47, was the Officer-in-Charge of PECU-Abra and a resident of Baguio City, while Calica, 30, was a resident of Pidigan, Abra. Bandoc, a resident of Bontoc, Mt. Province, is also assigned to the same unit.

Personnel from the Abra Provincial Forensic Unit have processed the crime scene.

The circumstances and motive behind the shooting remain under investigation.