2 killed, 1 hurt in hacking incident

DUE to a missing bolo, two chainsaw operators were killed while a companion is now in critical condition after they were hacked by their fellow workers at one of the barangays in Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental, this morning.

Police Master Sgt. Jigger Rojo, Deputy Police Station Commander, Sugbongcogon Police Station, identified the victims as Gerald Laniton, 24, single, and Romnick Pagalang, 19, single, and all residing at Sitio Himayan, Barangay Riverside, Salay, Misamis Oriental.

The incident occurred at about 5 am at Purok 3, Barangay Poblacion.

The two victims sustained severe hack wounds to their necks that resulted in their instantaneous death.

The other victim was also identified as Junie Torres, 24, single, and residing at the same place.

He is now being treated at a government hospital due to hack wounds in the different parts of his body.

While the suspects were also identified as Rudy Padero, 59, married, and his son Joshua Padero, 34, both residing at Purok 3, Barangay Poblacion, Sungbongcogon, Misamis Oriental.

In an interview with Rojo, he told reporters that the incident began when the bolo owned by the suspects was missing and they believed it was stolen by the victims.

“Amo na to silang na settle adtong unang adlaw kay nagubot lage sila. Gipasanginlan man gud sa mga suspetsado ang mga biktima nga maoy nagkuha sa ilang sundang unya gi prenda daw,” Rojo said.

But this morning as the suspects were about to go to their work, they told police the victims blocked their way and they were not allowed to pass through. Thus, the altercation happened.

The suspects pulled their bladed weapons and started hacking the victims.

Luckily, Torres was able to rush to the hospital by witnesses and is now battling for his life.

After the incident, the suspects voluntarily gave themselves up to the authorities.

They are now temporarily detained at the Manolo police mini-cell while an investigation is still ongoing.