Sugar planter shot dead in Murcia

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of a 27-year-old small sugar planter in Purok Mirasol, Barangay Caliban, Murcia, Negros Occidental, on Sunday.

Police identified the victim only as Aljon, a resident of Barangay Canlandog.

Police Capt. Honey Labaro, chief of the Murcia Municipal Police Station, said the victim and his second cousin were on their way home after attending a fiesta in Barangay Buenavista when an unidentified assailant opened fire on them.

The victim, who was driving a motorcycle, died at the scene after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, Labaro said.

Labaro said the victim’s relative managed to flee and seek help from a village councilman.

He was unharmed.

The barangay council later reported the incident to the police.

Labaro said the victim had no record of complaints in the barangay.

He also had no police record, she added.

Police are exploring possible angles to determine the motive behind the attack.

Authorities said they are not making any speculations as the investigation continues into why the two cousins were targeted.