3 Apayao farmers shot dead, burned

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines – Disagreement over a fishing area locally known as “lapat” led to the killing of three farmers in Pudtol town, Apayao, police said.

Another farmer, who could have been the fourth victim, managed to escape and recounted their harrowing ordeal to authorities.

Police said the survivor, Elevencio Matulot, 44, and fellow farmers Felix Matulot, 75; Jayson Acob, 29; Rogelio Rupad, 39, found their “lapat” disturbed on Saturday, and suspected nine people from Kabugao town to be the perpetrators.

The suspects confronted the victims the following day, and Matulot, who was in the river, heard gunshots. He was shot, too, but was able to run away.

Matulot sought the help of relatives and the police who promptly went to the site and found the old house where the farmers were staying burned to the ground. The victims’ charred bodies were later identified.