Elderly man kills brother in Iloilo land dispute

By Jennifer P. Rendon

An elderly man was taken into police custody after allegedly shooting dead his younger brother over a land dispute shortly before midnight on Nov. 10 in Passi City, Iloilo.

Police identified the suspect as 65-year-old Federico, a resident of Barangay Talongonan, Passi City.

Authorities said there was no confrontation immediately prior to the incident.

Witnesses claimed the altercation began when the victim, 63-year-old Ildefonso, started acting unruly and shouting outside his home.

Federico reportedly learned that his brother was yelling insults directed at him.

He then went out of his house carrying a homemade 12-gauge shotgun.

Lt. Charina Pagmanoja, public information officer of the Passi City Police Station, said the suspect claimed Ildefonso was holding a knife.

“He allegedly thought that the victim would attack him,” Pagmanoja said.

Before Ildefonso could make any move, Federico shot him once in the body.

The victim was rushed to Don Valerio Palmares Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Passi City but was declared dead on arrival.

After the shooting, the suspect walked back home, where responding police later arrested him.

Pagmanoja said the brothers had long been harboring resentment toward each other due to a land dispute.

They were scheduled to appear for mediation before the barangay lupon on Tuesday, Nov. 11.