Farm watchman shot dead

Police cordon off a house in Barangay Pilar, Hinigaran, Negros Occidental where a farm watchman was found dead Saturday. (Photo courtesy of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office)

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Police are investigating the death of a farm watchman who was shot by an unidentified perpetrator at Purok Ubay, Barangay Pilar, Hinigaran, Negros Occidental last Saturday.

The victim was identified as Joemarie Gariando, 49, of Barangay San Juan, Binalbagan town.

Police Captain Ryan Villasario, Hinigaran town police chief, said the victim was found lifeless on a bamboo sofa outside the residence of his uncle where he was staying.

Gariando’s co-worker woke up after hearing three gunshots and when he checked, he saw the victim severely wounded, according to the police.

The victim suffered three gunshot wounds in the head and an injury in the chest. He was declared dead on arrival in a hospital.

Police recovered from the scene two fired cartridge case of .45 caliber ammunition and a fired bullet slug of an alleged .45 caliber ammunition.

Villasario said they have no lead yet on the identity of the perpetrator, as there was no witness in the incident.

He said they are also checking the background of the victim to establish a motive.