Farmer confronting neighbor of missing chicken shot dead

CEBU, Philippines - A farmer who accused his neighbor of stealing his mother’s pet chicken ended up being shot to death in front of his wife and children early morning the other day in barangay Tangub, Pinamungajan town.

Marcelino Alapay, 43, was shot dead by 19-year-old Roque Pacris of Kandingan, Aloguinsan.

Initial investigation revealed that prior to the incident, the victim confronted his neighbor, Cornelio Torralba Jr., for allegedly stealing the chicken raised by his mother and told him of his plan to bring up the matter to the barangay council.

At past 5 a.m. that day, Torralba, Pacris, along with other two 16-year-old boys went to the house of the victim and had a conversation outside of his house.

Afterwards, the group moved to leave the victim but Pacris allegedly turned back and without any word, shot the victim, hitting him in the right shoulder. 

Responding Pinamungajan policemen with patrolling troops of the Echo Company of the 52nd Infantry Battalion, 81st Division of the Philippine Army led by Staff Sgt. Ferdinand Baganon together with members of the Citizens Armed Forces and Geographical Unit based in Sto. Rosario, Aloguinsan responded to the alarm which resulted to the arrest of the four suspects.

Meanwhile, envy allegedly triggered a certain “Dugkal” to shoot two of his co-workers the other night in sitio Tabay, barangay Mabolo, this city while the two were playing computer games.

Fernando Kadino, 28, of the said place and his 14-year-old companion were playing computer games on a machine put up at the roadside when a man, identified only as a certain “Dugkal”, shot them. Dugkal is said to be envious of the two who work and earn well at a metal scrap shop.

Kadino was hit in the left cheek while the minor was hit in the left leg. Both were taken to the hospital. The suspect remains at large. — Niña G. Sumacot/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)