BY AHIKAM D. PASION
Businessman shot dead by ridin
Police are conducting a full investigation into the shooting of a 53-year-old businessman in Bayambang town, Pangasinan, which authorities say may be linked to a possible family feud.
The victim, Victor Gamotea,53, and a resident of Barangay Bical Norte, was entering his driving school in his car after returning from the market when two unidentified suspects on a motorcycle, both wearing black jackets, suddenly approached and opened fire with an undetermined caliber firearm.
The businessman sustained a gunshot wound to his right armpit and was immediately transported to Julius K. Quiambao Medical Hospital for treatment but died afterwards.
Following the incident, the suspects fled northbound toward Malasiqui town on their motorcycle. Law enforcement personnel from the Bayambang Municipal Police Station (MPS) promptly responded to the scene, conducted initial interviews with the victim and potential witnesses, and launched a dragnet operation in coordination with nearby police stations.
Authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage from the area to trace the escape route of the suspects. The Bayambang MPS requested technical assistance from the SOCO Team of the Provincial Forensic Unit in Lingayen for crime scene processing.
Police have indicated that the shooting may be related to ongoing family disputes, but the investigation is ongoing to determine the exact motive and to apprehend those responsible.
Barangay treasurer goes missin
Police are investigating the mysterious disappearance of Deo Carlo Carulla Barrozo, 32, barangay treasurer of Barangay 4, Naguilayan, who was last seen on January 21, 2026, after withdrawing P142,000 in barangay honorarium.
The disappearance was reported personally by Barrozo’s father, 63-year-old Leopoldo Austria Barrozo, a widower and resident of the same barangay, at the San Carlos City Police Station.
Authorities said Barrozo was last seen riding a motorcycle toward the city proper. Since then, he has not returned home and has had no communication with his family, prompting police to issue a flash alert.
Barrozo is described as approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, of medium build, and was last seen wearing a black, red, and white striped polo shirt with black shorts.
The San Carlos City Police are urging the public to immediately report any information regarding his whereabouts to the nearest police station. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to determine his location and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
Three injured, including 2 min
Three people, including two minors, were injured in a traffic accident along the national road in Barangay Poblacion East, San Nicolas, authorities reported.
According to the police investigation and CCTV footage, the first vehicle, driven by a 75-year-old man from Natividad, Pangasinan, with his 75-year-old wife as passenger, was traveling eastbound when the accident occurred.
An 18-year-old student riding a motorcycle, accompanied by two female students aged 16 and 13, both residents of San Nicolas, was traveling in the opposite direction.
As the car turned left onto Artacho Street, it collided with the oncoming motorcycle, causing injuries to the motorcycle driver and his two backriders. The occupants of the car were unharmed.
The three injured individuals were immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Police continue to investigate the incident.
Man dies after LPG tank explosion while cooki
The remains of 27-year-old Jeremy Dutong of Barangay Bateng, Mangaldan, have been returned to his hometown after he died from injuries sustained in an LPG tank explosion while cooking breakfast at his residence in Sta. Mesa, Manila, on January 7, 2026.
According to his family, the gas tank suddenly exploded, causing severe burns across his body. Dutong was immediately rushed to a hospital, but despite medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries on January 22.
The incident has left family, friends, and the community in deep mourning.
Authorities took the opportunity to remind the public about safety measures when using LPG at home. Residents are advised to regularly check the condition of gas tanks, hoses, and regulators, ensure the gas valve is closed when not in use, and promptly report any defects or leaks to their gas provider.
Woman nabbed for shoplifting in Alaminos City convenience store
A 23-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly stealing various items from a convenience store in Barangay Poblacion, authorities reported.
Police said the suspect entered the store and placed several products into her blue eco bag. A 30-year-old store clerk and a 37-year-old security guard noticed her actions and discreetly monitored her movements.
The suspect then exited the store without passing through the cashier, carrying the items. One of the witnesses pursued her, leading to her arrest.
Recovered from the suspect were unpaid items including micellar cleansing water, body lotion, facial serum, soap, and coffee, with a total estimated value of PHP1,506.00.
Authorities are preparing the appropriate charges against the suspect.
Calasiao police nab druggie in buy-bust, seize P38
Authorities from the Calasiao Police Station successfully arrested a suspected drug dealer during a buy-bust operation, resulting in the seizure of approximately P38,000 worth of suspected shabu.
The operation was conducted following an intelligence-driven initiative by the Philippine National Police (PNP), which led to the immediate apprehension of the suspect.
The arrested individual now faces charges under Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Construction worker nabbed for
A 66-year-old construction worker was arrested for attempting to steal a sound system mixer from a local restaurant, authorities reported.
The incident was reported by the restaurant owner, a 56-year-old businessman, after the theft was witnessed by the establishment’s 26-year-old caretaker. According to the caretaker, he was asleep when he was awakened by a loud noise. Upon checking, he saw the suspect carrying a sack and immediately confronted him.
Upon inspecting the sack, the caretaker discovered a sound system mixer valued at over P6,000, which the suspect had attempted to steal. The restaurant owner was promptly contacted, and the suspect was handed over to the local police.
The construction worker is now facing charges for theft.