Farmer shot, hacked, stabbed in Dalaguete

CEBU, Philippines – A 44-year-old farmer was killed after he was shot and hacked by two other farmers during a benefit dance in Dalaguete town dawn last Sunday.

The victim was identified as Panfilo Cariman, a resident of barangay Bulak where the incident occurred. The suspects were identified as Efren Limbaga and Marcing Cuestas, also residents of barangay Bulak.

Witnesses said the three were drinking at the benefit dance that started last Saturday, which was organized for the barangay’s upcoming fiesta.

Past 1 a.m. Sunday, Cariman reportedly wanted to go home ahead but because of too much alcohol, only managed to exit the dancing area and slumped to the ground.

Limbaga, who was also drunk, reportedly approached an unconscious Cariman and shot the latter three times. Seemingly not contended with what Limbaga did, Cuestas pulled out his knife and hacked and stabbed Cariman several times.

The two suspects had fled the place even before the police could arrive.

Witnesses later told authorities the victim and the suspects had a heated argument at the time they were drinking. Cariman also reportedly happened to be a troublemaker in the barangay.

A follow-up operation is now being conducted to arrest the suspects and to determine the motive for the killing. – Christopher Gabriel C. Bonjoc/JMO (THE FREEMAN)