A 68-year-old senior citizen was found dead with multiple stab wounds on the evening of March 25, 2026, in Purok 3, Barangay Alae, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, in what authorities suspect to be a killing rooted in a long-standing land dispute.
The victim, identified only as alias “Tino,” was discovered lying lifeless on the ground at around 7:00 p.m. by a concerned resident. Initial police investigation revealed that the victim sustained several stab injuries, indicating a violent assault.
Authorities have identified the primary suspect as alias “Mando,” who remains at large as of this writing.
According to the victim’s son, “Tino” had gone earlier that evening, around 6:00 p.m., to their makeshift hut located along the national highway to collect feed for their pigs. However, he failed to return home, prompting concern among family members until his body was later found.
Further accounts from the victim’s sibling revealed that prior to the incident, the victim had confided about a heated confrontation with the suspect. During the altercation, the suspect allegedly threatened to kill him.
Investigators are now looking into a land-related conflict as the possible motive behind the killing. Reports indicate that the dispute stemmed from a piece of land being managed by the victim but owned by another resident. The suspect allegedly cut down trees on the property without the owner’s consent, sparking tension that escalated into threats and, ultimately, violence.
Responding officers recovered several items at the crime scene, including a bladed weapon believed to have been used in the attack, a .38 caliber revolver, a motorcycle, and a sling bag containing another .38 caliber revolver, along with other personal belongings. Authorities are still determining the relevance of these items to the crime.
Police have launched a hot pursuit operation to apprehend the suspect and ensure he faces appropriate charges.
The incident has raised concerns among residents in the area, particularly over unresolved land disputes that can escalate into deadly violence. Authorities urge the public to report any information that could lead to the immediate arrest of the suspect.