Businessman shot dead at home

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Police are not discounting the possibility that the death of a businessman in Barangay Bug-ang, Toboso, Negros Occidental last Tuesday could be insurgency-related.

Police Major Jun Ray Batadlan, town police chief, said that at least 15 unidentified persons stormed the house of the victim identified as Juvinie Sarona, 43, a lumberyard owner.

Sarona was having dinner with his uncle around 6:47 p.m. when five of the perpetrators suddenly entered Sarona’s house and shot him.

His uncle was unharmed after he was told to duck for safety.

Batadlan said the 10 other perpetrators served as lookouts outside the house.

The perpetrators then fled, leaving Sarona lifeless with nine gunshot wounds.

Police recovered from the scene 25 fired cartridges of cal. 5.56mm M16 ammunitions.

Batadlan said the victim had threats from the New People’s Army (NPA) during the first and second quarters of last year.

However, he said they could not confirm the NPA’s link to the incident unless the group issues a statement claiming it.

Batadlan said the victim was a known supporter of government programs, as he also helped the military and policemen in terms of peace and order in the town.