Worker shot by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Panitan

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — A construction worker was hospitalized after he was shot by two unidentified motorcycle-riding assailants Saturday morning, June 6, at Sitio Ilaya in Barangay Cadio, Panitan, Capiz.

Police identified the victim as Ariel Dieta, 25, of Panitan town.

The Panitan Municipal Police Station said Dieta was riding his motorcycle from the town proper to his village when two unidentified motorcycle-riding men tailed him.

When Dieta reached Sitio Ilaya, one of the assailants shot him in the back, causing him to fall to the ground, police said.

Police said Dieta managed to get up, run and hide in a nearby house.

The assailants fled toward Maayon town.

The Panitan police responded after receiving information from Punong Barangay Lenny Degoma of Barangay Cadio.

Police recovered one empty shell from a suspected .45-caliber pistol at the crime scene.

Dieta was brought to Bailan District Hospital in Pontevedra town and later transferred to Memorial Provincial Hospital for treatment.

Police said they are investigating the incident and reviewing closed-circuit television footage near the crime scene.

A report from the Maayon police said Dieta had been jailed for allegedly shooting a cockfighting aficionado last year.

Police said Dieta was arrested in Metro Manila, posted bail and settled the case after six months in jail.

Some relatives described Dieta as a good person and a defender, saying they were surprised by the incident.

Barangay Kagawad Ronnel Amar of Barangay Ambilay said Dieta had no major record in their village.

Dieta recently underwent surgery for his injuries and was in stable condition.

Laborer hurt in Roxas City electrocution

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — A laborer was hospitalized after he was accidentally electrocuted while working on a house under construction Saturday afternoon, June 6, in Water Village, Barangay Lawaan.

The victim, identified only as alias Dodoy, is of legal age and a resident of Barangay Libas.

He sustained bruises and skin injuries on different parts of his body after the roofing material he was installing on the rooftop accidentally touched a live wire of the Capiz Electric Cooperative around 5 p.m.

One of his co-workers said the victim was carrying roofing material on the second floor of the house when strong wind blew the material into the live wire.

The victim lost control and fell from the second floor, sustaining injuries on different parts of his body.

Members of the Bureau of Fire Protection responded and brought the victim to a hospital for treatment.

Workplace electrocution risks are common in construction sites near live electrical lines, making clearance from power lines and the use of protective equipment critical for worker safety.