Land dispute eyed in Calatrava farmer killing

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — A land dispute is being eyed as a possible motive behind the killing of a 50-year-old farmer in Barangay Lalong, Calatrava, Negros Occidental, on Sunday.

Authorities identified the victim as “Jundy,” who was heading toward Barangay Bago for a market day when three unidentified persons allegedly approached and shot him several times.

The victim succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, according to police.

Considering the difficult terrain and accessibility constraints in the area, police coordinated with local barangay officials and available community trackers to assist in search and pursuit operations against the suspects.

Police Lt. Jessica Malata, deputy chief of the Calatrava Municipal Police Station, said investigators are exploring other possible angles behind the incident.

She said she could not reveal more information because of the sensitivity of the case, but police are not discounting the possibility that the killing could be linked to insurgency.

A series of killings linked to insurgency has been reported in the town in recent years, and police, in coordination with the Philippine Army, have stepped up anti-insurgency efforts.

Calatrava has also seen recent clashes between government troops and remnants of the New People’s Army, including encounters in Barangay Minautok in April and June 2026, underscoring continuing security concerns in parts of northern Negros Occidental.