BACOLOD CITY – A farmer and his nephew were shot dead in Sitio Pitgong, Barangay Oringao, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Sunday, June 2.

THE body of a farmer and his nephew lies in a hospital after they were killed in Barangay Oringao, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Sunday, June 2. (Photo courtesy of Kabankalan City Police Station)
The victims were identified as Loreto delo Santos, 54, of Barangay Oringao, and his nephew Raniel Delo Santos, 40, of Barangay Camingawan, Kabankalan City.
Police Lt. Col. Roberto Indiape Jr., Kabankalan police chief, said the victims were tending to their fighting cocks when a man appeared and shot them multiple times from behind.
The victims sustained bullet wounds and died on the spot.
Recovered from the crime scene were eight fired bullets of a .45 caliber firearm.
Indiape said the gunman reportedly had two companions during his escape but they have yet to confirm this detail.
Witnesses said the suspects identified themselves as New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.
Indiape said the area had NPA sightings but this is subject to validation.
Police are looking into personal as possible motive in the incident since they received information that the victims were allegedly involved in illegal activities and theft.
However, police said there was no official complaint lodged with the police or barangay.
Indiape said they already have a lead on the gunman.