Teen slain on way to dawn mass

MANILA, Philippines - A 17-year-old boy was shot dead as he was on his way to attend the traditional dawn mass in Malabon City on Monday.

France Welmor Parohinog – a Grade 7 student of Tañong National High School and a resident of Pinagsabugan street in Barangay Longos – was walking with his friends toward the church when Jonathan Gadon, 27, accosted him and accused him of throwing stones at his house, city police chief Senior Superintendent Severino Abad Jr. said.

Parohinog denied the allegation, but Gadon’s insistence led to a fistfight.

Gadon then pulled out a handgun, shot the teen in the head and ran away.

Police Officer 3 Roger Libuton said they are tracking the suspect, whom be believes is hiding in Bicol.

He said an informant told investigators that Gadon has a standing warrant of arrest for murder in Masbate.