3 farmers hacked dead by fellow farmer in Iloilo

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Three farmers were hacked to death allegedly by a fellow farmer on Saturday night following an  argument in a mountain village of San Lucas in Barotac Viejo, about 50 kilometers 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 the neck, face and head. Loredo and Lyndon died on the spot while Richard died while being treated at the Barotac Viejo Hospital.

The suspect, Lordy Copita, was arrested and detained at Barotac Viejo Detention Cell pending the filing of multiple charges.

​Police investigations showed  that the victims had a drinking spree at the house of  Copita about 10 p.m. after working  at the farm the entire day. Arguments ensued among the victims and the children of the suspect but they were pacified.

​Insp. Rene Del Castillo, Barotac Viejo police  chief, said the victims were accompanied by the suspect outside their house to be sent home when he 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 did I do wrong that prompted them to disrespect me in my own house. But they tried to beat me up so I hacked them instead,” he said in Hiligaynon.