BACOLOD City – A 48-year-old gamefowl breeder was killed in a brazen shooting early Tuesday morning, November 11, at his cock farm in Barangay Marcelo, Calatrava, Negros Occidental, as authorities continue to investigate the motive and identity of the assailants.
The victim, identified only as alias “Max,” was attending to his fighting cocks around 6:30 a.m. when three unidentified gunmen arrived and shot him from behind. In addition to multiple gunshot wounds to the back, the victim suffered a deep slash wound on the nape, according to Police Lieutenant Dwight Fajardo, deputy chief of the Calatrava Municipal Police Station.
Max was rushed to Alfredo E. Marañon Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Sagay City but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries before noon.
Investigators recovered a fired .45-caliber cartridge and a 12-gauge shotgun shell at the crime scene, indicating the use of more than one firearm.
Authorities are exploring possible motives, including personal grudges or business-related conflicts, as they review the victim’s background and recent activities. Police have intensified their pursuit operations and appealed to nearby residents for information that could help identify the perpetrators.
“This was a planned attack. We are coordinating with witnesses and nearby barangays for leads,” Fajardo said.
The police investigation was ongoing as of this writing, with officers determined to bring those responsible to justice./PN
