LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur — A 61-year-old woman farmer was killed after she was allegedly stabbed by her neighbor following a heated dispute over banana plants in Barangay Bagalupa, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, on the afternoon of December 21, 2025.
Police identified the victim as “Saning,” a resident of Purok 4, Barangay Bagalupa. She was declared dead on the spot after sustaining multiple stab wounds to the chest. The suspect, identified as “Robert,” 60, is also a resident of the same barangay and a neighboring landholder.
Based on the initial police investigation, the incident stemmed from an argument between the two seniors over banana trees planted on their adjoining properties. Authorities said the conflict escalated when the victim allegedly began cutting banana plants, prompting the suspect to retaliate. The confrontation turned violent, ending with the suspect allegedly stabbing the victim with a bladed weapon.
The victim suffered severe wounds and no longer showed signs of life when responders arrived. She was no longer brought to a medical facility due to the fatal nature of her injuries.
The suspect reportedly attempted to flee the scene but was intercepted at a police checkpoint in Barangay New Labangan. He is now in police custody and facing appropriate criminal charges as authorities continue their investigation.
Police said they are looking into personal grudge as a possible motive behind the killing. Meanwhile, the victim’s family has called for justice, urging authorities to ensure that the suspect is held fully accountable for the crime.
The case has once again raised concerns over how minor land and crop disputes, including disagreements over banana plants, can escalate into fatal violence if left unresolved.