TUKURAN, Zamboanga del Sur — A violent family tragedy left two brothers dead after one allegedly hacked the other to death before being shot by police when he reportedly resisted arrest on Sunday afternoon in Barangay Santo Antonio, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur.
Initial information from local sources and authorities identified the victim as Ernesto Behante, an adult resident of the village. Police said he died after being attacked with a bladed weapon by his younger brother, identified as Roberto Behante, also an adult resident of the same community.
The incident occurred at around 1 p.m., shocking residents in the otherwise quiet barangay.
According to initial accounts, Roberto allegedly attacked Ernesto with a machete, inflicting fatal injuries. After the attack, the suspect reportedly went inside a room in the house, prompting residents to alert the Tukuran Municipal Police Station.
Police officers quickly responded to the area to apprehend the suspect. Witnesses said authorities attempted to negotiate and gave Roberto time to surrender peacefully. However, police said the suspect allegedly resisted arrest, leading to a confrontation that resulted in officers opening fire.
Roberto was shot during the police operation and later died, authorities said.
Relatives of the two brothers expressed disbelief over the incident. A nephew of both the victim and the suspect said the siblings were not known to have serious conflicts prior to the attack.
According to the relative, the brothers were generally described as approachable and often seen together during community events in their barangay. The family said the violent turn of events came as a shock to those who knew them.
The motive behind the killing remains unclear as of this writing. Investigators are continuing to gather statements and evidence to determine what triggered the fatal confrontation between the siblings.
Attempts by a local news team to get a statement from the family were declined.
Authorities confirmed that the bodies of the two brothers have already been laid to rest.
Police have yet to release further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the attack and the subsequent police shooting as the investigation continues.