PAO exec shot by pa-in-law

A RANKING official of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) was in critical condition after being shot by his father-in-law in Malabon City on Friday night because of a family feud.

Marlon Buan, the PAO director for the National Capital Region, sustained multiple gunshot wounds in the body after exchanging fire with 65-year-old Ramon Santos, the police said.

Santos and his nephew Reybert Salao, 42, were both hit in the foot in the gunfight that erupted around 10:30 p.m. at the family compound on General Luna Street, Barangay Baritan, Malabon.

Still in the hospital at press time, Santos and Salao—who both attacked Buan—face charges either for homicide or frustrated murder once discharged, according to Senior Supt. Severino Abad Jr., Malabon police chief.

Buan, a 40-year-old lawyer, remained in the intensive care unit at MCU Hospital in Caloocan City, Abad added.

An investigation showed that Buan had just parked his vehicle outside his house when Santos and Salao, who also lived in the compound and were having a drink that night, confronted him.

Prior to the shooting, Buan cut off the power line from his home to Santos’ house. But the police gathered that both men had a longstanding grudge, which on Friday night finally turned violent.

Santos and Buan both drew handguns during the confrontation. The police later recovered several .45-cal bullet casings at the scene and were also checking if the pistols used were licensed.