Farmer, Barangay Tanod Shot Dead in Toboso

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Two separate shooting incidents in Negros Occidental over the past two days have left a farmer and a barangay tanod dead.

In Toboso town, a 49-year-old farmer was gunned down by three unidentified assailants in Sitio Bairan, Barangay General Luna on Tuesday.

Initial investigation showed the victim was resting inside his house when multiple gunshots were heard outside.

He tried to escape by jumping out of a window, but the gunmen caught up with him and shot him multiple times, killing him on the spot.

Police recovered five spent shells from a .45-caliber firearm at the crime scene.

Early the following day, a 47-year-old barangay tanod identified only as “Grace” was fatally shot by an unidentified suspect in Sitio Pinanongnan, Barangay Punta Salong, Manapla town.

Police Maj. Robelito Mariano, chief of the Manapla Municipal Police Station, said the victim was found slumped over her tricycle with gunshot wounds in the body.

Eight spent shells from a 9mm pistol were recovered from the area.

Mariano said they are considering personal grudges as a possible motive, noting that the victim had filed a physical injury complaint and had previous conflicts with some residents.

The victim’s sister also told police that Grace would often post cryptic messages on her social media account but refused to name the individual she was referring to.

Aside from that angle, police are also investigating whether the victim was mistakenly believed to be a police informant in anti-illegal drug operations.

Mariano clarified that the victim was not a police asset.

As of now, authorities have no leads on the identities of the suspects.

Meanwhile, in San Carlos City, a 44-year-old man was found dead beside a river in Sitio Bairan, Barangay Buluangan, also on Tuesday.

Police said the victim sustained head injuries believed to be from a gunshot wound.

A person of interest has been identified, reportedly the last individual seen with the victim before the body was discovered.

Investigation is ongoing.