Farmer slain in Pototan hacking

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A farmer was killed in a hacking incident before midnight on March 30 in Pototan, Iloilo.

Police identified the victim only by the alias “Reynold,” 49, of Barangay Batuan, Pototan.

His body was found lying on the ground in the village.

A concerned citizen alerted the Pototan Municipal Police Station after discovering the body at about 11:05 p.m. Monday.

Police investigation showed that the victim had figured in an altercation with three men at Zuba Restaurant in San Jose Ward, Pototan, shortly before the attack.

Maj. Dominic Parreño, Pototan police chief, said the victim and the suspects argued after discovering they were members of the Guardians Brotherhood.

Police identified the suspects only as alias “John,” 35, of Barangay Cato-ogan, Pototan, and alias “Ronnie” and his minor son, both of Barangay Danao, Pototan.

The suspects reportedly told the victim they did not personally know him.

After the confrontation, the victim and his niece left the restaurant and headed home.

Police said the three suspects followed the victim on a motorcycle and a tricycle.

When they caught up with him, they allegedly attacked him with a bolo.

The victim sustained multiple hack wounds on different parts of his body.

He was taken to Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Barangay Rumbang, Pototan, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Police arrested John in a hot pursuit operation.

The father and son were arrested Tuesday afternoon.

Police have yet to disclose the charges to be filed, but homicide or murder charges may be pursued depending on the outcome of the investigation.