Laborer shot in Canlaon, found dead in river

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Police are investigating the death of a 38-year-old laborer who was shot in Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, on Thursday and later found dead in a river in Barangay Puso, La Castellana, Negros Occidental.

Authorities identified the victim only as “Raymund,” a resident of Barangay Montilla in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.

Raymund’s cousin reported to La Castellana police early Friday that he was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head in the river near the boundary of Barangay Puso, La Castellana, and Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon City.

Investigators said Raymund’s live-in partner told police the couple, along with their minor son, went to a house in Barangay Budlasan on Wednesday morning to deliver a chicken.

Police said the partner reported that as they were heading home around noon, five unidentified people approached them in the village, drew firearms and shot Raymund.

Police said the victim ran despite being wounded, but the suspects chased him and repeatedly fired at him as he fled toward the river.

Investigators said he appeared to have jumped into the river in an attempt to escape, but he was fatally hit.

Police said the victim’s partner sought help from relatives and residents to search for him, and his body was recovered Thursday afternoon.

La Castellana police and Canlaon City police are coordinating the investigation.