Leyte town cops hunt village chief in farmer’s slay

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ORMOC CITY — A farmer was killed while his father was wounded after a village chief allegedly shot them in Barangay Lanauan, Pastrana town, Leyte on Wednesday.

Jamesbert Abanes, 35, and his father Arnulfo, 68, were rushed to the Schistosomiasis Hospital in Palo, Leyte, but the former was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician. His father is still being treated in the hospital.

Lt. Anatalio Ortega Jr., chief of the Pastrana Police Station, said the suspect was identified as Rogelio Empillo, 49, chairman of Barangay Lanauan, Pastrana, Leyte.

Initial investigation disclosed that Jamesbert was working on his rice field, which is adjacent to the suspect’s rice field when the latter shot the victim. His father, who tried to help his son, was also shot by the suspect, who immediately fled on board his motorcycle after the incident.

Pastrana policemen are conducting a hot pursuit operation to arrest Empillo.