Tanod shot dead in front of wife in Talisay, Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Police are eyeing land dispute and job as among the possible motives behind the murder of a barangay tanod in Sitio Lawis, Barangay Maghaway, Talisay City at noon yesterday.

Authorities identified the victim as certain Efren Bonghanoy, 41, a village watcher and purok president. He was shot dead by an unknown perpetrator at around 12:28 p.m.

Police Lt. Colonel Randy Caballes, Talisay City Police Station chief, said that based on their initial interview with the victim’s wife, the latter said that her husband did not have any enemies, although he was looking after a property which had been a subject of dispute.

“Wala gyud daw silay suspect nga naa sa ilang mind karon. Naa lang tay information nga kining victim, kining barangay tanod, naa ni siyay gibantayan nga property nga on dispute, so usa pud ni sa atong gisubay karon,” said Caballes.

Bonghanoy was tasked to oversee the disputed property which was allegedly owned by another individual.

It was reported that the victim was sitting in a cottage in their purok when the suspect wearing a black jacket, black helmet and maong pants suddenly approached and shot him.

The killing was personally witnessed by the victim’s wife.

Caballes, however, said that the land dispute is just among of the angles they are looking into to determine the unknown perpetrator behind the murder.

“Kay wala man gyuy mahatag nga information ang wife ug ang baranagay officials kung asa ni sya (victim) nagtanod na posible na masubay, so ang information lang is ang katong gibantayan niya nga yuta nga naay gaaway sa ownership,” he said.

Aside from this, Caballes said that they are also looking into the angle that his killing might be connected to his job as a village watcher.

The police are checking if there was anyone that the victim might have arrested and held grudge against him.

The victim sustained one gunshot wound in his nape resulted in his death. — JMD (FREEMAN)