3 farmers killed while harvesting fruits in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte

KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte – The Philippine National Police (PNP) in this city is asking locals to come forward with information if they know anything about the killing of three farmers in the hinterland village of Inudaran on Tuesday afternoon.

Based on a police report, the incident occurred around 12:30 p.m., citing the story of a minor who witnessed the murder.

The police identified the victims as a certain Undo Alfante, manager of a piece of land planted with, among other things, ‘marang’ or ‘madang’ fruit; and Maglangit brothers Mike, 37, and Mark, 40.

Alfante was supposed to be supervising the harvest of ‘marang’ when two unknown assailants arrived and started shooting.

Alfante suffered a gunshot wound to the head, resulting in his instant death, the police report said.

READ: Quezon farmer shot dead in shooting incident triggered by land dispute

Police found brothers Mike and Mark, bathed in their own blood, about 300 meters from where Alfante lay dead.

Police Captain Jessan Gomez of Kauswagan Police Station said two shell casings for the M16 rifle and another two for the M14 rifle were recovered from the crime scene by investigators.

Gomez said they are investigating two possible motives for the attack; one is a land dispute, and the other is a sabotage attack on non-Muslim citizens by the terrorist group Dawlah Islamiya.

JPV