The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Piddig is set to file two counts of murder and a violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Illegal Possession of Firearms Act, against the suspect in the fatal shooting of two siblings in Barangay San Antonio.
Police Major Kristian Lee Badua, chief of Piddig police, identified the victims as Maria Theresa Dansalan, 55, and her son Jasper Dansalan, 27, a pharmacist, both residents of Barangay Nalasin in Solsona.
The suspect was named as Rodel Donato, 37, a security guard and resident of Barangay Poblacion, Lapaz, Abra, who reportedly committed the crime under the influence of alcohol and admitted to planning the attack for some time.
According to the ongoing investigation, Donato’s live-in partner had recently separated from him due to his frequent drinking and abusive behavior.
Prior to the shooting, Rick Garcia, 52, a farmer from Barangay Nalasin, was traveling with the victims and two minors when Donato intercepted and shot the siblings, resulting in their immediate deaths.
Badua stated that police officers patrolling near the crime scene spotted a motorcycle-riding man carrying a firearm, prompting them to stop him, during which Garcia approached and reported the shooting incident.
Authorities arrested Donato on the spot and recovered a .45 caliber pistol with one live round, along with five cartridge cases, one slug, and a magazine from the crime scene.
The suspect is currently detained at the PNP station in Piddig pending formal charges.