Family Feud, Insurgency Eyed in Farmer Slay

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Authorities are investigating two possible angles behind the fatal shooting of a farmer at a covered court in Sitio 5, Barangay 11, Gawahon, Victorias City, Negros Occidental on Wednesday.

The victim was identified only as “Jonhee,” 33, a resident of the same barangay.

Police Lt. Col. Terence Paul Sta. Ana, chief of Victorias City Police Station, said the shooting may have stemmed from a family feud over land or could be linked to insurgency.

Sta. Ana said the victim had been waiting for family members to arrive for a land dispute settlement meeting at the barangay hall when three armed men approached him at 9:30 a.m. at the covered court.

After confirming his identity, the suspects shot him at close range and fled the scene.

Based on witness accounts, Sta. Ana said the suspects left a message before escaping: “Pasunda di pulis kag Army kay ratraton namon diri sa babaw.”

Recovered from the scene were three spent shells and one slug from a .45 caliber firearm.

Sta. Ana said police coordinated with other law enforcement agencies to respond to the incident, which occurred in an upland area of the village.

The victim was previously accused of killing his brother in December 2024 due to the same land conflict, he added.

Sta. Ana also confirmed that one of the victim’s siblings is reportedly involved in the armed struggle.

However, both angles are still subject to further investigation.

Sta. Ana said they have identified persons of interest but declined to provide details pending the ongoing probe.

He noted that the victim’s family members are cooperating and have given statements to investigators.

Man Shot Dead in Bacolod, ‘Shabu’ Found

Meanwhile, another man was gunned down in Purok Sigay, Barangay 2, Bacolod City early Wednesday.

The victim, identified only as “JR,” was a resident of Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

Police Maj. Eugene Tolentino, chief of Police Station 2, said the victim was found with a gunshot wound to the chest around 3 a.m.

Witnesses said the man was seen running from an unidentified suspect from Sto. Niño Stop to Purok Sigay.

A sachet of suspected shabu was recovered from the victim’s pocket at the hospital, where he was declared dead.

Tolentino said authorities must confirm the victim’s full identity to establish the motive.

He said the victim’s background is still under investigation.