College student killed, girlfriend wounded in Ilocos Norte shooting

SAN ILDEFONSO, Ilocos Sur — A 24-year-old college student was killed while his girlfriend was wounded after a gunman shot them in front of a house in Barangay Uguis, Nueva Era town, Ilocos Norte, on Thursday night.

Police said Jhey Em Abellano was walking near his home with his girlfriend, a resident of Burgos town in Ilocos Norte and also a college student, at 7:30 p.m. when a 19-year-old man, also a resident of Barangay Uguis, allegedly rode up to them on a motorcycle.

The suspect reportedly fired four shots at the two victims and then fled. 

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READ: 1 killed, 2 wounded in latest BARMM shooting incidents

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Abellano sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his body, while his girlfriend was hit in the leg and abdomen, investigators said.

Both victims were rushed to a hospital, but Abellano was declared dead on arrival. His girlfriend is still undergoing treatment. 

A separate account from the victim’s family said Abellano had traveled to Badoc to fetch his girlfriend. They were reportedly attacked when they arrived in front of the house.

Abellano’s brother, in a social media post, described him as a kind and caring person who was not known for picking fights or getting into trouble.

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He said Abellano had returned to Uguis to recover after being diagnosed with anemia.

The brother appealed for justice, saying the family was not seeking sympathy but wanted those responsible for the shooting to be held accountable.

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“Hustisya para sa kapatid ko ang kailangan namin (We demand justice for my brother),” he said.

Police immediately launched a hot pursuit and dragnet operation for the suspect, who remained at large as of Friday morning (August 28). (Kenneth P. Tabin/contributor)/dp