Farmer killed over land dispute

By: Jennifer P. Rendon

A farmer was killed while clearing a farmland at Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo Wednesday morning.

Jerry Agramon, 60, was declared dead on arrival at Don Ramon Tugbang Medical Center, Inc. shortly after he was shot at Sitio Balabag, Barangay San Fernando.

Police Major Ciriaco Esquilarga, Barotac Viejo, police chief, said at least five suspects allegedly conspired in killing Agramon.

But witnesses pointed to Roger Ternura, also a resident of San Fernando, as the one who actually gunned down the victim.

Another witness claimed that DM Gerochi was with Ternura and also fired a gun.

But while Ternura escaped and remains at large, Gerochi was arrested at the Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College in Ajuy town.

Their three alleged companions, motorcycle driver Donny Gerochi, DM’s father Dominador Gerochi, and Ternura’s brother Nicolas also fled after the incident.

Agramon was at the farm with several other farmers when the suspects arrived.

Ternura immediately shot Agramon and fled after the incident.

Esquilarga said the two held grudges against each other that stemmed from a land dispute.

Both allegedly claimed ownership of the land.

Reports said that Ternura used to own the land while Agramon was a tenant.

It remains unclear if the farm land was officially awarded to the victim.

Esquilarga said the manhunt operation against the other suspects is still ongoing.