BACOLOD CITY – A businessman was gunned down inside his house by 15 suspected New People's Army rebels in Barangay Bug-ang, Toboso, Negros Occidental on Tuesday, January 2.
THE body of a businessman lies in a morgue after he was killed by 15 suspected New People's Army in his house in Barangay Bug-ang, Toboso, Negros Occidental on Tuesday, January 2. (Photo courtesy of Negros Occidental police)
Police identified the victim as Juvinie Sarona, 43, a lumberyard owner.
Police Major Jun Ray Batadlan, Toboso police chief, said that at least 15 unidentified persons stormed the house of the victim while he was having dinner with his uncle.
Five gunmen shot Sarona while his uncle was unharmed.
Batadlan said the 10 other perpetrators served as lookouts. The suspects fled to an unknown direction.
Sarona sustained nine bullet wounds and died on the spot.
Police recovered 25 fired caliber 5.56mm cartridges for an M16 rifle in the crime scene.
Batadlan said they are looking into insurgency as possible motive in the incident since the victim had threats last year.
He said the victim was a known supporter of government programs and helped the military and the police in the campaign against communist rebels.