Man killed, wife hurt in Ajuy shooting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A 64-year-old man was killed while his wife was injured after they were shot at a fishpond where they were working in Ajuy, Iloilo, on Tuesday morning, Feb. 10.

Police identified the fatality as Edison, 64, while his wife, Bengelyn, 59, survived the attack, with both residents of Barangay Sto. Rosario, Ajuy.

Police said the suspect arrived at the couple’s workplace aboard a motorcycle at about 9 a.m.

The suspect, identified only as Andrew and reportedly from Barotac Nuevo town, entered the compound where the couple was staying.

Ajuy police chief Capt. Aileen Lacrite said the suspect confronted the couple over unpaid fish feeds.

Investigators said the couple initially owed the suspect PHP 1.2 million but had already paid PHP 700,000.

After a brief conversation, an eyewitness said the suspect pulled out a handgun and fired several shots.

Edison was shot in the head, while Bengelyn sustained gunshot wounds to both arms and legs.

The victims were rushed to Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. District Hospital in Barotac Viejo, where Edison was declared dead shortly after arrival.

Bengelyn was later transferred to Western Visayas Medical Center for further treatment.

Police said the suspect fled immediately after the shooting, and a manhunt is underway as investigators continue to pursue leads in the case.