DON CARLOS, Bukidnon – Two farmers were shot while tending a rice field in Barangay Bizmarts, Don Carlos, Bukidnon, on Monday morning, July 6, in an attack that police said stemmed from a long-standing land dispute.
The victims, identified only by their aliases “Bobby,” 46, and “Roberto,” 61, survived the shooting despite being targeted while working in the field at around 8:00 a.m.
According to the initial police investigation, the suspect, identified only as alias “Sammy,” 46, suddenly arrived at the rice field owned by his sibling and, without apparent provocation, allegedly opened fire on the two farmers.
Authorities said the gunman fled the scene aboard a Toyota Hilux immediately after the shooting, prompting the Don Carlos Municipal Police Station to launch an intensive dragnet and hot pursuit operation across the municipality.
However, before authorities could locate him, the suspect voluntarily surrendered to the police station at approximately 11:30 a.m. on the same day, only a few hours after the incident.
Police investigators recovered one spent cartridge casing from the crime scene, which has been preserved as evidence.
Land dispute identified as motive
Initial findings by investigators indicate that the attack was motivated by a personal grudge rooted in a land dispute, a recurring source of violent conflicts in some rural communities.
Authorities are conducting further investigation to determine the sequence of events that led to the shooting and to establish whether additional criminal charges may be filed against the suspect.
Forensic examination underway
The suspect is currently detained at the Don Carlos Municipal Police Station while criminal charges are being prepared.
Police said the suspect will undergo a paraffin test to determine the presence of gunpowder residue on his hands. Meanwhile, the recovered spent cartridge casing will be submitted to the Provincial Forensic Unit (PFU) for ballistic examination to verify whether it matches the firearm believed to have been used in the attack.
Investigators are also gathering statements from witnesses and the victims to strengthen the case.
Authorities have yet to disclose the specific charges to be filed against the suspect as the investigation remains ongoing.