A 19-year-old farmer was arrested after he allegedly hacked a 55-year-old man to death following a dispute over cut trees in Murcia, Negros Occidental, Thursday, June 18.
The victim, identified only as alias “Anton,” was found dead at his residence in Purok Kinabong, Brgy. Minoyan, while the suspect, alias “Wiwi,” was arrested during a joint hot pursuit operation by the Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto police.
Police said the victim and the suspect had a heated argument on June 16 regarding trees that were allegedly cut down by the suspect.
Investigators said the victim allegedly warned the suspect that bloodshed could occur if he continued cutting the trees.
At around 10 p.m. that day, the suspect allegedly went to the victim’s house armed with a bolo, waited for him, and hacked him multiple times.
The victim died on the spot, according to police.
Authorities said the suspect fled after the attack.
The victim’s younger brother discovered the body the following day and reported the incident to barangay officials in Don Salvador Benedicto.
The report reached the Murcia Municipal Police Station on June 18, prompting responding officers to conduct an investigation and launch a manhunt operation.
The suspect was subsequently arrested and placed under the custody of the Murcia police after undergoing a medical examination.
Police said the suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and his constitutional rights.*
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