Police hunt suspect in Capiz farmer killing

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Police are hunting a suspect who shot dead a farmer on Jan. 3, 2026, in Barangay Agsirab, Dumarao, Capiz.

Authorities identified the victim as alias “Rogie” and the suspect as Nilo Huta, 30. Both are residents of Barangay Codingle, Dumarao.

Police said the shooting happened at around 4:30 p.m. while the victim was standing at a store.

The suspect allegedly drew an unidentified firearm and shot the victim.

The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the lower portion of the head, causing his instantaneous death.

According to Lt. Russel Husmalaga, deputy chief of the Dumarao Municipal Police Station, a heated altercation had earlier occurred between the victim and a relative of the suspect.

A few hours later, the suspect’s relative reportedly arrived to talk and settle the issue. During the encounter, the suspect allegedly shot the victim and fled on a motorcycle in an unknown direction.

Police recovered the suspect’s motorcycle about 200 meters from the crime scene during a hot pursuit operation.

Also recovered were fired cartridge cases from a .45-caliber pistol believed to have been used in the shooting.

Husmalaga said background checks showed the suspect had several barangay records. Police believe old grudges may have been the motive behind the killing.

A murder charge is being prepared against the suspect, and police urged him to surrender and face the charges.