A Cabangan, Zambales dog-owner allegedly killed an Aeta teenager for pelting his pet with rocks, GMA 7 news program "24 Oras" reported on Tuesday.
Local police chief Police Sub-Inspector Marvin Domacena said that dog-owner Julius dela Cruz was woken by a commotion.
When dela Cruz went out to investigate the ruckus, he found 16-year-old Bobby Bulatao, Bulatao's cousin, and two more companions tormenting his dog.
"Dahil po sa pagbabato ng aso, nagising po, nagulat po itong si Julius dela Cruz at lumabas po ito para tignan... Nagkaroon po sila ng argumento... hanggang sa bumalik at kinuha niya ang kaniyang itak," the police chief explained.
Bulatao was shot and hacked several times in the head.
The fatality's cousin, Dennis Melon, was also shot in the stomach and was under observation at the hospital.
Dela Cruz surrendered to authorities and was detained at the Zambales Provincial jail. He faced homicide and frustrated homicide charges.
However, Zambales Indigenous People's board member Chito Balintay was dissatisfied with the charges.
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"Nabigla ako nang makita... kong frustrated. Hindi murder at homicide," Balintay exclaimed. "Very clear na mayroong intent to kill. Dahil, una, tinaga niya eh. Tapos nung makita niya na apat pala sila, bumalik siya sa bahay niya, pagbalik niya, may dala siyang baril."
Meanwhile, Bulatao's family had laid the teenager to rest.
"Wala naman po kaming alitan na ano po sa kanila... Nagtaka ako, bakit ganoon na lang ang ginawa sa anak ko?" Bulatao's mother said. — Margaret Claire Layug/DVM, GMA News