Laborer Gunned Down Outside Himamaylan Cockpit

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Police are eyeing personal grudges as a possible motive in the murder of a 36-year-old laborer Tuesday in Sitio Casipongan, Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

The victim was identified as alias “Jesmar,” a resident of the same barangay.

Police Lt. Col. Anthony Grande, chief of Himamaylan City Police Station, said they have two persons of interest based on witness descriptions.

He added that investigators believe more than two suspects may have been involved, including possible lookouts.

Grande said two unidentified men approached the victim, and one of them shot him in the neck at close range while he was outside a cockpit.

When the victim fell, another suspect shot him in the forehead and right temple, killing him instantly, Grande said.

Police recovered two spent shells from a 9mm pistol and one from a .45-caliber pistol at the crime scene.

Grande said the murder took place in a crowded area, but no one else was hurt.

He added that the motive may be tied to personal grudges, though they are also exploring other possible angles.

Grande said the victim worked as a middleman or broker in livestock sales.