Barangay chairman, Sangguniang Bayan candidate killed in election clash in Abra

A barangay chairman and retired police officer, Lou Salvador Claro, 57, and Sangguniang Bayan candidate Manzano Bersalona Agdalpen Jr., 58, were killed during a campaign event in Barangay Nagtupacan, Lagangilang, Abra on Monday night.

The incident began when Agdalpen punched bystander Rommel Apolinar, prompting Claro to intervene; the situation escalated with Agdalpen shooting Claro multiple times before being shot by an unidentified gunman.

Both men were taken to Abra Provincial Hospital where they died shortly after arrival, adding to a series of violent events leading up to the May elections in the province.

Earlier on the same day, afternoon classes at the University of Abra La Paz Campus were suspended following a bomb threat; the campus was cleared by police after two hours and resumed operations but remained cautious due to security concerns.