2 farmers dead, 1 hurt in Quezon shooting due to land dispute, grudge

INQUIRER file photo

LUCENA CITY – Two farmers were killed and another one was wounded after they were shot on Monday (January 1) allegedly due to a family land dispute in Tayabas city, Quezon.

Quezon police in a report on Tuesday (January 2) said the victims Engelito Ormacido, 64; and his sons Rico, 37 and Joselito, 38, were inside their house in Barangay Isabang around 5 p.m.

Suddenly, one of the suspects, identified as alias “Christian,” appeared and reportedly verbally threatened the victims.

The three men became infuriated and chased “Christian,” who ran away.

Unknown to the victims, five other suspects were waiting for them outside.

One of the suspects was armed and repeatedly shot the victims.

Engelito and Joselito died on the spot from gunshot wounds in different parts of their bodies while Rico was wounded on his left arm.

READ: In Quezon, 2 farmers hack each other dead over land dispute

READ: Quezon farmer shot dead in shooting incident caused by land dispute

The investigators found six empty shells from a caliber .45 pistol at the crime scene.

In a follow-up operation, police arrested three other suspects “Elmer,” “Vincent” and “Venson.”

Two other suspects – allegedly a member of Philippine Army and “Armendo” – surrendered to police.

Only “Christian” is at large and is now the subject of a manhunt.

In a text message on Tuesday morning, Tayabas police chief Lieutenant Colonel Bonna Obmerga said “land dispute and long-time grudge” were the motives behind the killing.

Obmerga said “Armendo” is the brother of victim Engelito.

“The rest of the suspects are his (Armendo’s) sons. One of them is a live-in partner of his daughter,” he added.

Police are conducting further investigation.