Man, pregnant daughter killed over land dispute

CEBU, Philippines — A 62-year-old man opened fire at his neighbors over a land dispute and an uprooted coconut seedling Saturday morning in Barangay Cadulawan, Minglanilla, Cebu.

At least two died and one wounded during the incident.

The fatalities were identified as Alfredo Ababon Herbias, 67, and his seven-month pregnant daughter Marjorie Herbias Caparida, 30. Another daughter, Florgen Herbias Bastatas, 35, was rushed to Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City due to gunshot wound in her stomach.

According to Minglanilla Municipal Police Station chief, Police Captain Kalvin Jomari Golitod, the incident happened past 5 a.m. on Saturday but was reported to them at around 7 a.m.

Investigation revealed that the suspect, Vergilio Sayago, got mad at the victims’ family whom he accused of uprooting the coconut seedling he planted.

The dispute had reportedly been heard at the barangay level where the suspect is a member of the Lupong Tagapamayapa.

“Base sa dun imbestigasyon matagal na yung pinag-ugatan ng alitan nila,” said Golitod.

The suspect said the coconut seedling he planted was a replacement of the one that was toppled during typhoon Odette.

Sayago alleged that the victims have been uprooting his coconut seedlings, saying the latest and sixth incident eventually made him angry.

Upon seeing that the coconut seedling has gone again, Sayago said he said he went home and got his gun.

He said he has no intention of killing the family and was bringing the gun only for self-defense in case he would be attacked.

Sayago said he showed the uprooted coconut seedling to Alfredo, who denied being behind the act.

Alfredo reportedly got mad and went home but his daughters arrived and yelled at Sayago which prompted the latter to shoot them.

Sayago shot Alfredo first then opened fire at Marjorie and Florgen. He also shot Alfredo’s wife, Cefriana, but his .357 revolver reportedly malfunctioned.

After the incident, Sayago said he went home to change clothes and he was supposed to surrender to the police station but he met the responding police on his way.

“Wala pa mokagar ang pusil ako gyud silang hutdon puslan man…Dili naka makahuna-huna kung napuno naka sa lang gibuhat…Tungod sa ilang gibuhat dili gyud ka kamahay gawas kung akto anang hitabo imo dayon gipusil kana nuon gamahay ka kay wala man kapasensiya ba dugay na kaayo sige kog pailob nila,” Sayago said.

Sayago said he acquired the gun from someone who passed by their place in exchange of a fighting cock.

Charges for double murder and frustrated murder will be filed against Sayago. — Banat News