A 16-year-old boy who was scavenging for scraps near a construction project in Barangay Poblacion, Candelaria, Quezon was shot dead by the caretaker.

The incident happened on December 12, 2023. 

According to the Candelaria Municipal Police, the young victim was scavenging with companions when the caretaker of the construction project confronted them. This led to an altercation and ended with the caretaker firing a gun and hitting the minor in the face. 

The suspect fled the scene immediately. The victims’ companions escaped unharmed. 

"Nagko-collect na sila, sinasaway nitong caretaker na, 'Huwag kayo dito sa area na 'to, off-limits kayo rito kasi yung mga gamit dito is kailangan sa pag-construct, kailangan 'yung mga bakal dito,'" PLTCOL. Bryian Merino, chief of the Candelaria Police Station, said.

The minor’s companions reportedly identified the suspect positively.

"Na-witness naman nila [at] na-identify naman nila 'yung suspek," PLTCOL. Merino said.

As of this writing, the police are pursuing the suspect.