In a dilapidated temporary house hidden deep in the middle of the It Bon sub-area, It Ong town, Muong La district, the sound of the forest wind still rings in waves, as if suppressing the pain of a family that has just lost a pillar - father, husband, son of a workshop - comrade Lo Van Tan, Head of the grassroots security and order protection team, who died while on duty on the evening of May 16.
The wooden-walled house with a crooked corrugated iron roof that was already shabby before each rainy and stormy season is now colder due to the eternal absence of the pillar man.
His wife, Ms. Luong Thi Chieu, tried to hide her pain, putting away her tears to tell about the simple but responsible life of her deceased husband.
"That afternoon, he said to go check the security situation and then go home to eat. But at night, I heard the bad news... I collapsed on the spot, unable to believe it was true. Now thinking back, it's like a dream...", Ms. Chieu choked up.
Ms. Chieu's family currently lives with Mr. Tan's old mother, nearly 70 years old, and two young children - the older one is in secondary school, the younger one is in primary school. All living expenses, education, and medicine are on Mr. Tan's shoulders, who is a police officer and a key employee.
"My mother has a chronic disease, I am also weak, and often have to go to Hanoi and the province for medical examination and treatment. Life only depends on a few sao of nuts, a few corn and cassava trees... As for Mr. Tan, he works in the village, and for free, he goes to the lake, who would hire him to do anything to earn more money to take care of his children's education," she said in tears.
After 15 years of working as a police officer, despite his small allowances, comrade Tan has never complained. He is a gentle, responsible person, a simple person, and is loved by the people. "My wife and I dream of having a solid house so that when the storm comes, the roof is no longer damaged or leaky. Now that he is gone, that dream is unknown when it will be realized...", Ms. Chieu confided, her eyes red.
Everyone in the Im Bon sub-region sympathizes with the family's extremely difficult circumstances. At the funeral, there was an elderly man and a younger sister - those who had been helped by Mr. Tan - who quietly came to burn incense to bid farewell. His passing left a big gap not only in the hearts of relatives but also in the community.
Sharing about this special case, Major General Dang Trong Cuong, Director of Son La Provincial Police, affirmed: "Comrade Lo Van Tan is a shining example of courage and dedication to serving the people. His sacrifice is irreparable loss. We will continue to accompany the family, sharing some of the immediate difficulties.
At the visit on May 21, the Provincial Police working group presented 20 million VND in support from the CAND Comradely Love Fund, hoping the family would overcome this great shock.
Son La Provincial Police have arrested Tong Van Vuong (born in 2005, residing in Pi Toong Commune, Muong La District) - suspect in the murder of Mr. Lo Van Tan, Head of the Security and Order Team of At Bon Sub-area.
On the evening of May 16, Mr. Tan discovered that Vuong had signs of drug use and requested an inspection. The subject ran away, then pulled out the knife and stabbed Mr. Tan many times, causing him to die on the way to the emergency room. The authorities mobilized more than 400 officers and soldiers to search, set up checkpoints, and encourage the subject to surrender.
On the afternoon of May 19, Vuong was discovered dead in the forest, threatening to commit suicide with a knife. After nearly 90 minutes of persuasion, the subject gave up the knife, was restrained and taken to the headquarters. Currently, the police are continuing to investigate and handle according to regulations.
