Drunk farmer kills neighbor in Sogod

CEBU, Philippines — A 62-year-old farmer in Sogod town died after his neighbor hit him with a wood during a fight Monday afternoon.

The police identified the victim as certain Arjiano Paran Badayan, a native from Mindanao, but had been staying in Sitio Sacsac, Barangay Dakit of the town for three years already.

The suspect who was later arrested was identified as certain Anecito Mercader Tautho, 60, of the same place.

Investigation revealed that around 1:10 p.m., while the victim was walking after drinking with a friend, he came across with the suspect who was also under the influence of alcohol.

“Niingon sya (suspect) nga gisangpit ni niya iyang pangan, kay naagian man, then giingnan sad siya sa biktima nga inom na sad ka imo na sang dapatan imong asawa kay mao man na ang record sa suspetsado sa ilaha,” said Police Staff Sergeant Orlando Pepito, investigator on case.

Pepito said the suspect reportedly has an ongoing personal grudge against the victim.

Further investigation revealed that the suspect has since been violent towards his family.

The victim’s remarks to the suspect triggered a fistfight between the two.

The suspect was able to pick a piece of wood and hit the victim.

“Nya kay murag hubog na sad kaayo tong (biktima) sad wa makabantay iyang gihapak sa ulo, naigo na sa may tampihak diri sa kilid sa ulo, nya pagkahagba iya ng gipatiran ang tangkugo,” he added.

The victim’s friend and other witnesses were not able to help since the incident accordingly happened so fast. The suspect then quickly fled the area while the witnesses helped the victim.

After few minutes, the suspect went back with a bolo for farming and asked the witnesses if the victim was still alive.

“Niingon pa gyud kuno ingon ang witness nga ‘buhi pa na siya?’ Niingon na lang ang witness nga basin nakuyapan lang ni, then nabalik sa ilaha,” said Pepito.

Pepito said someone personally reported the incident to Sogod Police Station.

The police responded and found the lifeless body of the victim. They then conducted a hot pursuit operation.

Witnesses told the police that the suspect went directly to his house after the incident.

The police found Tautho inside his house and arrested him.

Pepito said that Tautho did not show any remorse for what he did.

“Walay remorse jud, murag wa juy pagmahay,” said Pepito.

He added that it was too late when the victim was brought to the nearest hospital due to difficulty in finding transportation in the area.

Pepito said they are now preparing the murder case to be filed against Tautho who is currently detained at the Sogod Police Station. — GMR (FREEMAN)