Pa dies, son wounded in gun attack over land dispute

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – A land dispute triggered a man to allegedly shoot a father-and-son tandem at Hacienda Santiaga, Purok Maria Elena, Barangay Dulao, Bago City, Negros Occidental last Thursday.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, city police chief, identified the fatality as Renato Bautista Sr., 58.

Wounded was his son Renato Bautista Jr., 30.

Investigation indicated that Renato Sr., his wife, and another companion were clearing dried leaves on the sugarcane field awarded to Renato Jr. through Voluntary Offer to Sell (VOS), when the suspect identified as Joey Batallon, 50 arrived and had a conversation with the former.

A heated argument then ensued between Renato Sr. and the suspect, followed by a fist fight.

Batallon allegedly drew a .45-caliber pistol from his sling bag and shot Renato Sr. on the chest and back.

The suspect also allegedly shot Renato Jr., hitting his right upper leg. But he was able to escape and seek help.

Police recovered from the scene a fired cartridge of .45 ammunition which will be subjected to ballistic examination.

Renato Sr. was declared dead on arrival at a hospital, while his son was already discharged from the hospital, Malong said.

Malong said that Batallon later surrendered to the barangay officials and was turned over to the police.

Malong said there were several pending complaints against the suspect over a land dispute.

Murder and frustrated murder charges were already filed against Batallon, who is detained at Bago City Police Station.