Land dispute eyed in Janiuay farmer’s killing

By Jennifer P. Rendon

ILOILO CITY — Police investigators believe a land dispute may have triggered the killing of a 54-year-old farmer in Janiuay, Iloilo, early Aug. 30.

Police Capt. Randy Lambungan, Janiuay police chief, said at a news conference Monday that investigators have identified two persons of interest in the killing of alias Peling, a resident of Sitio Bitis, Barangay Tuburan, Janiuay.

Lambungan said one of the suspects was allegedly hired by another party involved in a dispute over land for which Peling served as caretaker.

Aside from the alleged gunman, another suspect reportedly acted as a backup when the victim was shot at about 1 a.m. Sunday in Barangay Tuburan.

Reports said the victim was attending a relative’s wake when the incident occurred.

He allegedly stepped outside to urinate, giving the assailant an opportunity to attack him.

The gunman fled aboard a waiting motorcycle.

The victim was rushed to Federico Roman Tirador Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Janiuay but was declared dead on arrival.

Members of the Janiuay Municipal Police Station recovered a fired cartridge case and a slug from a .45-caliber pistol at the crime scene.

Police are continuing their investigation into the killing and the alleged land dispute.