Man fatally shot at home in Calatrava

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY — Police are investigating a possible grudge as the motive behind the killing of a motorcycle mechanic at his home in Barangay Patun-an, Calatrava, Negros Occidental, around midnight on August 12.

The victim was identified as Joshua Libre, 32.

According to Police Major Wilfredo Benoman Jr., the town’s police chief, Libre was asleep when an unidentified person entered his house and shot him.

Benoman said the victim’s live-in partner, who was sleeping beside him, along with his minor stepdaughter, were awakened by the sound of a gunshot. However, they were unable to recognize the lone gunman.

The victim sustained a single gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at a hospital. His live-in partner and stepdaughter were unharmed.

Police recovered a spent cartridge and a slug from a .45 caliber firearm at the scene.

Benoman suggested that the victim might have known the suspect, as the latter was able to enter the house easily.

He added that authorities would investigate the victim’s background to explore other possible angles that could help identify the perpetrator.