Tuba gatherer hacked to death in Boljoon

CEBU - A coconut wine gatherer met a brutal death yesterday when another tuba gatherer attacked him with a scythe while the former was watching a volleyball game with his two sons in barangay El Pardo, Boljoon town.

Witnesses said Antonio Sestoso, 41, was watching the game early afternoon yesterday when the suspect, Nardito De Rama, 38, came down on him from behind.

Sestoso was first hit on the right cheek when he tried to evade the attack but the second strike of the scythe caught him in the neck and slit his throat.

Sestoso’s 16 and nine-year-old sons reportedly froze in disbelief as they watched their father die in front of them.

De Rama is now detained at Boljoon Police Station with a murder charge. He later said he was forced to kill Sestoso first because he reportedly heard rumors that Sestoso reportedly threatened to kill him. 

Police are now conducting follow-up investigation to determine the real motive of the killing.   — Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/JMO (THE FREEMAN)