Man suspected of attempted theft found dead

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — A man suspected of attempted theft was found dead in Batad, Iloilo yesterday.

The body of Juv Bigare, 19, a resident of Barangay Alapasco, was found around seven meters away from the house he allegedly attempted to rob.

Police said the victim suffered a gunshot wound in the chest and had been dead for several hours when his body was found.

Lt. Jaypee Silvestre, Batad police chief, said the owner of the house, Marlo Chavez, was arrested.

Chavez said he opened fire when he saw a man forcibly opening the back door at around 1 a.m. He said he was not aware that he hit the intruder and decided to hide in his room fearing that the suspect was armed.

Police have yet to recover the gun used in the shooting.