2 killed, 2 hurt in Negros Oriental shooting

BACOLOD CITY — Two people were reportedly killed and two others injured after two armed men allegedly opened fire on a group of copra workers who refused to buy drinks and firearms in Barangay Buenavista, Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental, on Friday, Oct. 16.

The victims were reportedly taking a break from making copra, or dried coconut meat, when the shooting occurred.

In a virtual press briefing, Capt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NORPPO), said the victims were resting in a nipa hut when the two suspects, who were reportedly intoxicated, arrived.

Citing a survivor’s account, Polinar said the suspects allegedly asked the victims to buy drinks, but they refused, saying they had no money.

The suspects then allegedly offered to sell their firearms to the victims, who again refused, reportedly triggering the shooting.

Polinar said the identities and conditions of the victims were still being verified because investigators had difficulty reaching the remote upland area.

No additional details were available as of publication.

Asked whether the incident could be linked to insurgency because of the area’s history, Polinar said it was too early to draw conclusions as the investigation continued.

He said police had yet to establish the relationship between the victims and the suspects, although initial information indicated they were allegedly involved in a land dispute.

The shooting occurred a day after a 28-year-old security guard was also gunned down in Barangay Palinpinon, Valencia, Negros Oriental, on Thursday, Oct. 15.

According to police, the victim and two suspects were traveling on separate motorcycles when the shooting occurred.

Investigators are reviewing available closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify the perpetrators.

Police are considering a possible personal grudge as a motive, although this remains subject to further investigation.

The Negros Oriental police assured the public that follow-up investigations and appropriate police operations were underway to identify and apprehend those responsible.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), said Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales, regional police director, had directed Col. Jonathan Abella, NORPPO director, to conduct a thorough investigation into both incidents.