A 40-year-old hunter was shot dead by a fellow hunter while in the mountains along the tri-boundary of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Abra morning on Monday, August 25, 2025.

Police said the suspect had claimed he mistook the victim for a wild boar. However, investigators later found evidence suggesting the shooting was intentional.

“Ti isturya daytoy suspek apo ket accidentaly kano a napaltuganna. But upon the result of the investigation, thoroughly investigation dagiti investigator tayo, we found out na there is intent,” PCpt. Elison Pasamonte, chief of Badoc Police Station, said.

The probe revealed that a dispute over the sharing of a wild boar they had caught may have led to the crime.

“According dijay witness tayo ket naiwara sda ngamin… dijay witness tayo nakita na talaga,” Pasamonte added.

The victim’s family, devastated by the loss, rejected claims that the shooting was an accident.

“Makita met dijay case ni Papang ko a napaltugan talaga sir. Iso nga birbiruken idjay korte no ayanna daytoy a paltog. Iso nga adda paylang mang-gulgulko ditoy panunot ko apay awan maisurrender da a paltog. Iso nga agbibir-birukak iti hustisya na,” said the victim’s child.

Relatives said the firearm used in the killing has not been surrendered, fueling doubts about the suspect’s claims.

The suspect remains in police custody and is set to face charges.