Drunk man in Abra guns gown graduating student

Bangued, Abra – A student who was about to reap the fruits of his hard work was shot dead by a man reportedly under the influence of alcohol in Bangued, Abra, earlier this week.

The victim was identified by police as Larry Bautista Jr., a native of Pangasinan and a graduating student of the University of Abra. He was shot outside his boarding house in Zone 7, Bangued, on Monday afternoon, November 10.

Bautista sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was rushed to a hospital in Abra before being transferred to another hospital in Ilocos Sur later that evening. Sadly, he was pronounced dead shortly after by the attending physician.

According to Police Major Graeme Boy Javier, Chief of the Bangued Municipal Police Station, their investigation revealed that the suspect, Erwin Buging, was so intoxicated that he could no longer recall the crime he had committed.

“Base ti naununeg nga imbistagasyon mi, daytoy nga Erwin Gubing ket haan na am-ammo nga mismo daytoy ni Larry Bautista. Sadyang barbartek na, haan na pay ammo ti napaspasamak, nu anya ti inubra na ket apan na latta metten pinaltugan daytoy biktima tayo nga awan ti usto nga rason na,” said Javier.

The police chief added that Buging had visited some friends near the victim’s boarding house and joined them in a drinking session before the incident. Bautista was reportedly the first person to step outside the boarding house, which may have been why he was shot.

In an interview with Balitang Solid North, Bautista’s brother expressed deep grief over the tragic loss, saying it is hard to accept what happened and that the family only seeks justice.

“Bilang kapatid, kuya, masakit para sa akin na mamatayan ng kapatid. Pero iisa lang hiling ko—hustisya para sa kapatid ko na nawala,” he said with a heavy heart.

The school administration, teachers, and classmates also extended their sympathies, remembering Bautista as a cheerful and hardworking student who always brought smiles to others.

Dr. Elizabeth Fetalvero, Dean of the UB College of Arts and Social Sciences, said looking at the photos of the victim was painful for everyone who knew him.

“Naanus, he is a working student actually. Dayta a talent na nga panagpicture ken panagvideo ket mangmangted kanyana ti kuwarta nga mangsustainar ti panagbasa na. Sunga maladingitan kami unay apo ta kasdiay napasamak kanyana,” she said.

The victim’s body will be brought home to their residence after a Bible service organized by the school.