Police probe land dispute in engineer’s shooting in Negros

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Police are investigating a possible land dispute as the motive behind the gun attack on an engineer and quarry operator in Sitio Omanod, Barangay San Francisco, Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental, on Wednesday.

The victim was identified as 58-year-old Engr. Angelito Mendoza, a resident of Barangay Manalongon in the same town.

Based on the initial investigation, Mendoza was riding his motorcycle on the way to his quarry when an unidentified suspect on another motorcycle shot him three times, hitting him in the back.

Police recovered a spent cartridge case from a .45-caliber firearm at the crime scene.

Earlier that morning, Mendoza was reportedly seen having coffee with a companion in Barangay Manalongon.

Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), said Mendoza is now recovering at a hospital in Dumaguete City.

Malong added that pursuit operations and a thorough investigation are ongoing.

While the land conflict is a strong angle, she said it remains subject to further validation.

Authorities are reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to track the suspect’s possible escape routes.

Police are also conducting background checks to support the investigation.

The regional office assured the public that all available resources are being mobilized to identify and apprehend the suspect and ensure justice for the victim.

The community is urged to cooperate and provide any information that may aid the ongoing probe.