Former teacher shot dead in Bayambang over property right of way dispute; neighbor arrested

Former teacher shot dead in Bayambang over property right of way dispute; neighbor arrested

• A 60-year-old former teacher, Alfredo dela Cruz, was fatally shot in the head while at a gas station in Bayambang, Pangasinan

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• The shooting stemmed from a long-standing right-of-way dispute with his neighbor, the alleged assailant

• The suspect, who fled the scene, was identified via CCTV and later arrested in Sual; he reportedly has a history of other criminal cases

• Police confirmed the victim had previously filed a barangay complaint against the suspect for blocking their shared pathway

A simmering dispute over a right-of-way escalated into a fatal shooting early Tuesday morning, July 29, 2025, claiming the life of a 60-year-old retired teacher in Barangay Bical Norte.

Former teacher shot dead in Bayambang over property right of way dispute; neighbor arrested
Photo: gun (@pixabay)
Source: UGC

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The victim, identified as Alfredo dela Cruz, was gunned down while fueling his vehicle at a local gas station.

Authorities swiftly apprehended his neighbor, the primary suspect, following a rapid follow-up operation

According to initial reports from the Bayambang Police, led by Chief Lieutenant Colonel Rommel Bagsic, the tragic incident occurred around 6:00 AM

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Dela Cruz was in the process of refueling when the suspect, whose identity is being withheld pending further investigation, approached him.

Without warning, the assailant reportedly opened fire, striking dela Cruz in the head and causing his immediate demise.

The suspect, who promptly fled the scene after the shooting, was quickly identified through crucial evidence obtained from closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the vicinity.

This vital footage enabled law enforcement to track his movements, leading to his eventual arrest in the neighboring town of Sual.

Upon apprehension, the suspect reportedly declined to issue any statements to the authorities regarding the incident.

Police Chief Bagsic confirmed that the fatal shooting stemmed from a long-standing and deeply rooted animosity between the two neighbors, primarily centered on a right-of-way issue involving a shared pathway leading to their residences.

" Old grudge," Lt. Col. Bagsic stated, elaborating that the victim, Alfredo dela Cruz, had previously filed a formal complaint at the Barangay Bical Norte office against the suspect.

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The complaint detailed how the suspect had allegedly obstructed the pathway, which dela Cruz claimed was a designated right-of-way and not exclusively owned by either party.

“Ito pong biktima ay nagpa-blotter po sa barangay ng Bical Norte dahil sa reklamong sinarhan nitong suspek iyong daanan nila na papunta sa kanilang bahay. Right of way na iyon. Claim ng biktima, hindi naman nila parehong pagmamay-ari iyong kalsada,” Lt. Col. Bagsic said.

Rolando dela Cruz, the victim's brother, echoed the police's assessment of a lingering resentment. "Siguro nagtanim ng galit iyong suspek, hanggang siguro natiyempuhan iyong kapatid ko," he conveyed, expressing the family's shock and sorrow over the sudden loss.

Further police investigation into the suspect's background revealed a history of legal troubles. Authorities confirmed that the individual was already out on bail for several prior charges, including illegal discharge of firearms and illegal possession of firearms, stemming from an incident in June 2025.

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He also reportedly had a previous conviction for robbery, indicating a pattern of criminal behavior.

The Bayambang Police are now preparing to file a formal murder charge against the apprehended suspect.

The tragic event highlights the dire consequences that can arise from unresolved personal conflicts, especially when compounded by access to firearms and a history of aggression.

The community of Bayambang is left grappling with the shock of losing a respected former educator in such a violent manner, as authorities continue to piece together the full narrative of this heartbreaking incident.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable stories.

In other news, a 39-year-old man sustained severe head injuries after being attacked by his 21-year-old drinking companion in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya. The assault occurred after the victim reportedly advised the suspect against causing trouble while intoxicated. The suspect allegedly left, retrieved a bolo or machete, and returned to hack the victim in the head. The victim is hospitalized and recovering, while police have launched a manhunt for the fleeing assailant.

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Still in other news, a man was shot dead by his younger brother in Sibonga, Cebu, after a heated argument over a cockfighting dispute escalated into violence. The incident began when the elder sibling asked his brother to roast a defeated rooster, leading to confusion and a physical altercation over another gamecock that had also died. Their father revealed that the suspect often endured physical abuse from his elder brother whenever the latter was drunk, which may have pushed him to commit the crime. The suspect, now facing murder charges, has expressed regret for his actions, as authorities urge families to address domestic violence before it leads to tragedy.

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Source: KAMI.com.gh

Authors:
Josh Medina avatar

Josh Medina (Editor)