College student shot dead, girlfriend wounded in Ilocos Norte attack

A college student was shot dead while his girlfriend sustained injuries in an armed attack in Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte on Thursday evening. The victim, identified as Jhey Em Abellano, 24, was walking near his residence in Barangay Uguis when an unidentified gunman opened fire on the pair.

Abellano's girlfriend, a resident of Burgos town, was also hit during the shooting. She was rushed to a medical facility for treatment of her injuries. The motive behind the attack remains unclear as authorities continue their investigation.

Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect responsible for the incident. Investigators are gathering statements from witnesses and examining evidence collected from the crime scene to identify the shooter and determine what may have triggered the violence.

The killing marks another incident of gun violence in the Ilocos region. Authorities have urged the public to report any information regarding the suspect's identity or whereabouts.