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ILOILO CITY – Three farmers were hacked to death by a fellow farmer on Saturday night following an argument in a mountain village of San Lucas in Barotac Viejo, about 50 km north of here.
Killed were Richard Francisco, 43; his younger brother Lyndon, 35; and their nephew Arnel Loredo — all residents of San Lucas.
All three victims suffered hack wounds in their neck, faces and head. Loredo and Lyndon died on the spot while Richard died while being treated at Barotac Viejo Hospital.
The suspect, Lordy Copita, was arrested and detained at the Barotac Viejo Detention Cell pending the filing of charges.
Police investigations showed that the victims had a drinking spree at the house of Copita at about 10 p.m. after working at the farm the entire day.
Arguments ensued between the Francisco brothers, Loredo and Copita but were pacified.
Inspector Rene Del Castillo, Barotac Viejo police chief, said Copita escorted the three men outside their house to be sent home but started hacking them.
In an interview by RMN-Iloilo, Copita said he defended himself after the three tried to hit him with a pole.
“I followed them out and asked what I did wrong that led them to disrespect me in my own house. But they tried to beat me up so I hacked them,” he said in Hiligaynon.