Two Men, Unborn Baby Killed in Negros Violence

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY — Three people, including an unborn baby, were killed in separate shooting and stabbing incidents in Negros Occidental on Nov. 1 and 2.

In Cadiz City, a 34-year-old woman, eight months pregnant, was wounded by a stray bullet at her home in Purok Zone 4, Barangay VF Gustilo, on Saturday.

The baby in her womb did not survive, according to Police Lt. Col. John Joel Batusbatusan, chief of Cadiz City police.

Batusbatusan said a 35-year-old man, “Jonel,” brought a .38-caliber revolver to show his friend, the woman’s live-in partner.

While Jonel and his friend were inspecting the firearm, it accidentally discharged, striking the woman in the abdomen as she sat in her home.

The suspect surrendered to a barangay official the following day, handing over the firearm, which contained five rounds of ammunition and one spent cartridge.

The woman is recovering in a hospital.

Batusbatusan said both parties are discussing a possible settlement, considering the incident an “accidental firing.”

However, police will proceed with filing charges for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition against the suspect.

In Cauayan town, a 37-year-old farmer was fatally shot by another farmer at Sitio Cuyapan, Purok 5, Barangay Masaling, also on Saturday.

Police said the victim and his brothers went to the 30-year-old suspect’s house to confront him, but the suspect, reportedly armed with a homemade firearm, suddenly shot the victim.

The victim’s brothers ran to their residence to seek help.

The victim was taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead. Barangay officials later turned the suspect and the weapon over to the police.

Meanwhile, in Isabela, a 56-year-old laborer was allegedly stabbed to death by his nephew following a heated argument at Sitio Ema, Barangay Camangcamang, on Friday.

Police Major Joseph Partidas, chief of Isabela police, said the victim, identified as Lambrito Sarimong, and his 39-year-old nephew, “Jun-Jun,” had a history of disputes over land.

The conflict reportedly escalated after the victim became upset upon learning that a portion of his rented lot had been fenced by a relative.

Partidas said the victim confronted his nephew at the nephew’s home, armed with a cane cutter.

The suspect, who was drinking with other relatives, allegedly stabbed the victim with a kitchen knife, hitting him in the chest, body, and stomach.

The victim was declared dead at a hospital, and the suspect was arrested later in Barangay Mansablay, where he had taken refuge at a relative’s home.

Partidas added that the weapon used in the stabbing was not recovered. Police are preparing to file murder or homicide charges against the suspect.