Farmer hacks money lender to death over debt

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – A heated argument over an unpaid debt claimed the life of an elderly money lender at Sitio Ecogan, Barangay Minapasuk, Calatrava, Negros Occidental, last Saturday.

Police identified the victim as 60-year-old Elisio Cabugnay of Barangay Hinab-ongan.

Police Captain Jesus Alba, deputy chief of Calatrava Municipal Police Station, said the victim went to the house of the 47-year-old suspect to collect his unpaid debt amounting to P2,000.

However, instead of paying the victim cash, the suspect proposed to pay him with rice due to a lack of funds. The victim refused and became angry.

Alba stated that a heated argument ensued between them, prompting the suspect’s wife to intervene to pacify them.

During the altercation, the victim allegedly slapped the suspect’s wife.

The victim’s rude behavior towards his wife angered the suspect, leading him to hack the victim with a bolo.

The victim sustained multiple hack wounds and was declared dead at a hospital, according to Alba.

Alba said the suspect surrendered to barangay officials and is now detained at the police station.

They are waiting for the victim’s family to decide on filing a criminal complaint against the suspect.