‘Hiwit’ Linked to Murder of Elderly Couple

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The fatal shooting of an elderly couple in Carles, Iloilo, was reportedly linked to a practice of black magic known as “hiwit” in Hiligaynon.

While not admitting to the crime, Wendy Belasa, 31, of Barangay Bayuyan, Estancia, claimed he had long harbored grudges against Violeta Bolohabo.

Belasa alleged that Violeta, a shaman or siruhano, caused the death of his best friend.

However, Major Sonny Boy Garnace, Carles police chief, said the suspect did not provide specific details on how Violeta allegedly “killed” his friend.

“He simply accused Violeta of using hiwit to kill his friend,” Garnace said.

Hiwit is a form of black magic believed to harm those who have wronged someone.

The incident also claimed the life of Violeta’s husband, Billy Bolahano, also known as Jesus Bolohabo. Both victims were senior citizens.

Garnace added that authorities are investigating whether Belasa is the same individual facing a frustrated murder case in Metro Manila.

A warrant of arrest for a “Wendy Belasa” was issued by a Muntinlupa City court on April 25, 2016.

Belasa was previously arrested in Panay, Capiz, in 2021 and is believed to have posted bail.

Garnace said they are also looking into how the suspect obtained two firearms and a cache of ammunition.

Belasa was arrested at Purok 1, Barangay Botongon, Estancia, three hours after the killing.

Authorities recovered a sub-machine pistol .45 caliber with a flush suppressor, two long magazines, a Colt .45 caliber pistol loaded with seven rounds of ammunition, 11 live rounds of reloaded ammunition, two Baofeng handheld radios with chargers, three fired cartridge cases from a .45 caliber pistol, a black holster, and a yellow-green canister containing suspected dried marijuana seeds weighing around 3 grams.

Also recovered were an improvised tooter, an Android mobile phone with a charger, a keypad mobile phone, PHP833 in cash, and four disposable lighters.

The suspect was also found with several personal items.

The Bolohabo couple had been walking in the public plaza of the island barangay of Lantangan when they were approached by a lone gunman around 10:30 a.m. on October 16.