Balut Vendor Shot Dead at Escalante Fiesta

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – A 41-year-old balut vendor was shot dead during a barangay fiesta in Sitio Proper Pinapugasan, Barangay Pinapugasan, Escalante City, Negros Occidental early Sunday.

The victim was identified only as “Abelardo,” a resident of Barangay Libertad, Escalante City.

Police Lt. Suzennie Ann Legada, administrative officer of the Escalante City Police Station, said the victim was selling balut (fertilized duck egg) when unidentified suspects shot him past midnight.

Legada said the victim appeared to have been specifically targeted, though the motive remains unknown.

He sustained gunshot wounds to the chest and stomach from an unidentified firearm and was declared dead at a hospital.

Legada said investigators are still looking into the motive and the victim’s background.

Meanwhile, in Hinoba-an town, a 43-year-old farmer was found dead in Sitio Calapayan, Barangay San Rafael on Sunday.

Initial investigation showed the victim was on his way home to Sitio Gaas from Barangay San Rafael proper, riding his motorcycle, when he was attacked by an unidentified person wielding a bolo.

He was hacked in the head, nape and abdomen, resulting in his immediate death.

His body was discovered by residents passing through the area, who reported the incident to barangay officials.

In La Castellana town, a 45-year-old laborer was found dead in Sitio Cambagting, Barangay Cabacungan on Saturday.

Police said the victim was last seen attending a drinking session with three other individuals on March 12.

The victim’s sister told police he had not returned home since March 20, until he was found lifeless three days later.

Police continue to investigate all three incidents.