Man who shot 28-yr.-old girlfriend in Baguio finally arrested, found possessing illegal drugs

Baguio City, Philippines - Multiple cases were charged against the man who shot his 28-year-old girlfriend during their argument in Baguio City last month as he was also found in possession of illegal drugs and handling a firearm without a license following his arrest.

The man, identified as Charles Valiente, 33, was apprehended after an intensive manhunt operation was conducted by the authorities on Marcos Highway, Bakakeng Central, Baguio City on Tuesday, August 13.

The man had been hiding from authorities for almost a month before his arrest.

Reports from the Regional Civil Security Unit-Cordillera obtained by the Baguio City Information Office cited that Valiente was found to be a high-value individual (HVI) on the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) regional watch list and not a licensed firearm holder.

He was charged with violating RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, RA 9262 or Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, RA 10591, and frustrated homicide.

It can be recalled that the suspect shot the victim’s neck during their altercation on July 7, 2024. The victim suffered a neck fracture resulting in her severe spinal cord injury.