Suspect in beheading of Zamboanga del Sur farmer arrested

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur—Police in Zamboanga del Sur recently arrested the suspect in the beheading of a farmer in Guipos town last Sunday (July 11).

Major Shellamae Chang, spokesperson of the Zamboanga Peninsula police office, said Mario Campaña Lendio, 43, is now detained at the Guipos municipal police station while awaiting charges.

Mario, a farmer, earlier binged on liquor with his cousins Simplicip Espanio Lendio, 56, and Federico Gemina Lendio, 43, in the village of Lintum in Guipos town.

According to Chang, after downing a bottle of rum, Simplicio and Mario had a heated argument, opening up old grudges.

Citing the account of witnesses, a police report said Simplicio then challenged Mario to a fistfight. Without hesitation, Mario put on his wooden knuckle and punched down Simplicio.

While Simplicio lay unconscious on the ground, Mario hit him with a rock, and still not content, he took a scythe and beheaded the victim.