Two More Farmers Shot Dead in Calatrava

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Two more farmers were shot dead in Calatrava, Negros Occidental, in separate incidents over the past two days, raising the number of victims this week to three.

The latest victim, a 34-year-old man known as “Nilo” from Barangay Malatas, was found dead Thursday morning in the same village.

Initial investigation showed he was discovered by a passerby lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds.

Earlier that day, some residents saw the victim walking with another person before hearing gunshots, which they initially ignored.

Police are considering personal grudges as a possible motive.

On Wednesday morning, a 39-year-old man identified as “Boy” was gunned down in his farm in Barangay Telim by an unidentified suspect who had approached him under the pretense of buying a plant.

The victim died of a gunshot wound to the chest.

Recovered from the scene were four spent shells from a .45-caliber pistol.

Police Maj. Wilfredo Benoman Jr., chief of Calatrava Police, said Boy had previously been arrested on a drug-related charge and had completed a drug rehabilitation program.

The first incident occurred Tuesday in Barangay Minapasuk, where a 41-year-old farmer was killed after unidentified individuals ransacked his home when he refused to go with them.

Benoman said police are still investigating and cannot yet confirm if the same suspects are behind the three killings.