ATOK, Benguet—A 32-year-old man died while his 31-year-old drinking companion was injured after an allegedly drunken police officer shot at them inside their home at Sayangan, Paoay here on Sunday night.
Police identified the fatality as Abraham Pacalso Atiwag, while his injured companion was Jerry Buyagawen Oriani, 31. The suspect was named by elements of the Atok Municipal Police Station as PO3 Rizaldy Banatao Banna, 32, who is assigned to the Atok Municipal Police Station and is currently residing in Baguio City.
Initial investigation showed Banna was patrolling the area when he chanced upon Atiwag and Oriani drinking at their home. A heated altercation ensued and Banna pulled his gun at the victims, but barangay officials in Sayangan and witnesses claimed the policeman was also under the influence of liquor as he repeatedly shot his firearm at the victims.
Atiwag and Oriani were rushed to Atok District Hospital but the former passed away several hours later.