BY: ANGELICA ARQUERO

A drinking session in Anda, Pangasinan, turned deadly when a heated argument over debt ended in gunfire, leaving a 45-year-old man dead.

The victim, identified as alias “Puor,” was shot eight times in the chest and head on the night of March 16 at a local eatery in Sitio San Nicolas, Barangay Poblacion.

The suspect, identified as alias “Dong,” 46, was the victim’s drinking companion.

According to police investigations, the victim confronted the suspect about an unpaid debt, leading to an argument.

However, the victim eventually walked away to avoid further conflict.

Footage from a nearby CCTV camera revealed that the suspect followed the victim outside Anda Public Market before opening fire.

“The two got into a dispute over the debt. Around 11 p.m., as the victim was walking home, the suspect followed him and shot him,” said PMSg Narvilito Medrano Dela Cruz, Anda Municipal Police Station’s chief investigator.

The victim was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead during surgery.

“The victim died while undergoing an operation at the Regional Medical Center in Dagupan City,” Dela Cruz confirmed.

The suspect was apprehended during a police manhunt operation.

Despite denying involvement in the crime, CCTV footage and the victim’s nine-year-old child, who witnessed the shooting, identified him as the perpetrator.

The suspect is now in the custody of the Anda Municipal Police Station and faces murder charges.