Boy killed in shooting triggered by land dispute in North Cotabato–Army

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—An 11-year old boy died after armed men fired upon a group farmers in the town of Matalam in North Cotabato on Wednesday morning, a military official said.

Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the military’s 6th Infantry Division, said the shooting happened while the farmers were cultivating a farm lot in Sitio New Esrael in Barangay New Abra at around 8:50 a.m.

Authorities identified the lone fatality as Jeseryl Diosma.

Initial investigation showed that the attack was triggered by a land conflict. The farm lot where the farmers were working is reportedly owned by a certain Eddie Balendres.

Government soldiers and local police immediately went to the scene of the crime and secured the area.

Meanwhile, police are still investigating to identify the perpetrators behind the attack.