Murder raps filed in Hinoba-an hacking

BACOLOD CITY — Murder charges were filed Wednesday against a woman and her alleged lover after they were linked to the death of her 46-year-old husband in Barangay Po-ok, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday.

Police Maj. Eric Doronilla, chief of the Hinoba-an Municipal Police Station, said the victim, identified only as “Ed,” was found dead with fatal hack wounds to the neck around midnight.

Before the discovery of his body, Doronilla said the victim, who was intoxicated, confronted his 52-year-old wife, Jima, about their marital issues.

While they were arguing, the 56-year-old suspect, Ge, was listening on loudspeaker through Jima’s cellphone and intervened in their altercation.

When Jima left the house, the suspect, who is the husband of the victim’s sister, entered the house and allegedly attacked the victim.

Doronilla said this was based on the statement of a witness who reportedly saw the suspect near the couple’s house before the commotion.

The victim’s minor daughter saw the incident but was unable to react because of shock and fear, Doronilla said.

The suspect was later identified and arrested at his workplace in Barangay Cayhagan, Sipalay City, where police recovered a bolo believed to have been used in the crime.

While he was being investigated at the police station, Jima coincidentally called the suspect, leading authorities to track her down.

Doronilla said police encouraged Jima to surface to clarify her alleged participation in the incident.

He said the couple would usually argue because the victim was aware of his wife’s reported affair with the suspect.

Doronilla said it is up to the prosecutor to assess the criminal complaint and the alleged participation of the victim’s wife in the incident.

Hinoba-an is a coastal town at the southernmost tip of Negros Occidental, according to the municipal government.