Man, 72, dies after getting pummeled by ‘paklang’

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A septuagenarian died after he was struck with a coconut petiole or paklang by his neighbor in New Lucena, Iloilo on April 19, 2023.

Police identified the victim as Samson Sala, 72, a resident of Barangay Wari-Wari, New Lucena.

Sala was pronounced dead on arrival at the New Lucena Polytechnic Hospital.

The suspect, Randy Gil Suganob, 34, also of Wari-Wari village, was immediately arrested after the incident.

According to reports, Suganob was driving his motorcycle with his live-in partner and their two young children when he saw the victim on the roadside.

Lieutenant Jerson Baldevia, New Lucena police chief, said Sala shouted at Suganob prompting the latter to stop several meters away.

Reports indicated that Sala was holding on to a branch of a tree while walking towards his younger nemesis.

On the other hand, Suganob armed himself with a coconut petiole.

The two struck each other but Suganob overpowered the elderly Sala.

Baldevia said a resident called and informed them about the commotion.

When police arrived, they immediately arrested the suspect.

Charges were already filed against the suspect afternoon of Wednesday.

Baldevia said they had CCTV footage of what happened.

Suganob’s live-in partner had also filmed the incident.

Investigation showed that old grudges could have triggered the fight.

“We received reports that they have a bad blood over a land dispute,” Baldevia said.

It was gathered that Sala’s wife and Baldevia’s mother are sisters.