One dead as farmers figure in separate attacks

CEBU, Philippines - A 60-year-old ex-convict died after a fellow farmer allegedly struck his face with a rock in the northern town of San Remigio.

The victim was identified as Macario Bontoc Sr., 60, while the suspect was identified as Ireneo Mahinay, 55. Both are residents of the town.

Investigator Jade Andales Carabuena of the San Remigio Police Station said Mahinay struck Bontoc’s head with the rock because the latter allegedly stole the food for his animals.

“Tungod sa kapungot, mikuha siya og bato dayun gibundakan niya ang biktima,” Carabuena said.

Prior to this, the two was engaged in a fistfight but Bontoc reportedly lost because he was differently-abled. Bontoc’s face was reportedly deformed badly.

Mahinay was arrested in a hot pursuit operation and is now detained at the San Remigio Police Station pending the filing of charges.

In the western town of Moalboal, meanwhile, another farmer was hacked by his neighbor over a grudge.

Police Officer 1 Dennis Lamoso of the Moalboal Police said the suspect, Anito Carba, a neighbor of the victim, hacked Decederio Crabantes, with a bolo following an argument.

Lamoso said Crabantes had wanted to buy coconut wine from Carba but the latter refused. Carba’s relatives told the police that Carba did not want to sell wine to Crabantes because the two are at odds.

“Niana ang mga paryenti aning Carba nga dili niya baligya-an kay dugay na nga nagbikil ang duha,” Lamoso said.

Despite Carba’s refusal, Crabantes still reportedly kept on going back, which irked Carba, prompting him to get a bolo and hack Crabantes on the face and arm. 

The victim was brought to the Badian District Hospital while Carba was arrested and detained at the Moalboal Police Station.

A 22-inch bolo was recovered from Carba’s possession.  (FREEMAN)