ORMOC CITY– A farmer was shot dead on the spot while his wife managed to escape after they were attacked by a man whose sister was reportedly impregnated by the victim.
The shooting occurred around 2:30 a.m. on January 4, in the mountainous area of Purok Marang, Barangay Tugas, Bato, Leyte.
The victim, identified as alias “Bensoy,” 40, a married farmer and resident of Brgy. Tugas, was found dead at the scene. His wife, alias “Cha,” 37, a barangay health worker, survived the attack.
The suspect, identified as alias “Jojo,” of legal age and also a resident of the same barangay, is now under police custody.
According to the local police, they responded to a shooting incident reported by a concerned citizen. Upon arrival at the scene, authorities found Bensoy lying lifeless on the living room floor, bloodied and motionless. His wife had already been rushed to Leyte Baptist Hospital in Hilongos, Leyte, for medical treatment.
Initial investigation revealed that Bensoy was allegedly the father of the child born to Jojo’s sister. Upon learning this, Jojo reportedly went to the victims’ house under the pretense of buying a gallon of “tuba” (coconut wine).
When Bensoy called his wife to fetch the tuba, Jojo allegedly shot him in the head. Cha managed to flee and call for help, while Jojo reportedly entered the house and shot Bensoy again, ensuring his death. The weapon used in the attack was a .38-caliber revolver.
Following the incident, the suspect fled the crime scene. However, police launched a hot pursuit operation, leading to Jojo’s arrest in Brgy.Alojoc, also in the same municipality.
Authorities recovered a .38-caliber revolver from the suspect’s possession, along with five live rounds of ammunition. The firearm had no serial number and was unregistered. Jojo and the recovered items were brought to the Bato Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
Charges of murder and frustrated murder were filed against the suspect.
(ROBERT DEJON)
