“Two Farmers Killed and One Wounded in Tayabas City, Quezon: Land Dispute Turns Deadly”

LUCENA CITY – A tragic incident unfolded in Tayabas City, Quezon province, on Monday (January 1) as two farmers lost their lives and another one sustained injuries in a shooting incident believed to be a result of a family land dispute.

The victims, identified as Engelito Ormacido, 64, and his sons Rico, 37, and Joselito, 38, were inside their house in Barangay Isabang around 5 p.m., according to a report from the Quezon police on Tuesday (January 2).

It was reported that one of the suspects, known by the alias “Christian,” appeared and verbally threatened the victims, leading to a heated confrontation.

After the confrontation, the victims were unaware that five other suspects were waiting for them outside. One of the suspects, armed with a caliber .45 pistol, opened fire and repeatedly shot the victims.

Engelito and Joselito tragically succumbed to their gunshot wounds at the scene, while Rico sustained injuries to his left arm. Investigators recovered six empty shells from the crime scene.

In a subsequent operation, the police apprehended three additional suspects identified as “Elmer,” “Vincent,” and “Venson.” Two other suspects, including an alleged member of the Philippine Army, voluntarily surrendered to the police. However, “Christian” remains at large and is currently the subject of a manhunt.

Tayabas police chief Lieutenant Colonel Bonna Obmerga disclosed that the motives behind the killing were a long-standing grudge and a land dispute. “Armendo,” the brother of victim Engelito, is allegedly involved in the dispute. The other suspects are reported to be Armendo’s sons, with one of them being in a relationship with Armendo’s daughter.

Local authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.