Farmer found dead in Capiz rice field; probe ongoing

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Police in Maayon, Capiz, are still searching for leads in the shooting death of a 42-year-old farmer found in a rice field early Sunday morning, Dec. 21, in Barangay West Villaflores.

The victim, identified as Jobert Dogelio, also known as “Boyet,” was a resident of the same barangay.

His body was discovered at around 6:50 a.m. by Sonny Ortiz, who saw him lying motionless in a rice field near the roadside.

Authorities said Dogelio sustained a gunshot wound to his back.

Police Captain Danilo Lauron, Maayon police chief, said no physical evidence was found at the scene that could help identify the assailants.

“At this moment, we are waiting for the decision of the family if they are willing to undergo the body of the victim for autopsy or post-mortem examination,” Lauron said.

He added that investigators are focusing on the back wound as the key to determining how the crime was committed.

Dogelio was not wearing a shirt or briefs when his body was found.

Initial investigation revealed that Dogelio had attended a birthday celebration the night before, hosted by Ryan Baroquillo, a resident of the same barangay.

Police are continuing their investigation to establish the motive and identify possible suspects.