Laborer shot dead in Maayon over land dispute

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – A laborer was killed after being shot on Sunday night, Aug. 17, at Sitio Mansarag, Barangay Canapian, Maayon, Capiz.

Police identified the victim as Joel De Maala Monforte Jr., 29, of Sitio Cabanbanan, Barangay Canapian, Maayon.

The suspect was identified as Gualberto “Bebing” Balana, of legal age and a resident of Sitio Mansarag in the same barangay.

According to Maayon police, the victim was inside the house of Erl Balana at around 10:10 p.m. when the suspect was heard shouting outside.

When the victim opened the door, he was immediately shot in the face and left shoulder.

The suspect fled to an unknown location while the victim was rushed to Bailan District Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Police Major Cyril Punzalan, chief of Maayon Municipal Police Station, said the suspect had a longstanding grudge with the victim’s friend, Earl Balana, over a land dispute.

He added that the shooting may have been either a case of mistaken identity or driven by the personal conflict.

Authorities are calling on the suspect to surrender and face the consequences of his actions.