Sugarcane Field Worker Killed, Two Injured in Hacienda Candelaria Attack
Bacolod City – Tragedy struck a sugarcane field in Hacienda Candelaria, Barangay Baliwagan, San Enrique, Negros Occidental on Sunday, August 27. A sugarcane field worker, Gilbert Brinio, lost his life after allegedly being hacked by a distant relative inside their barracks. Two others, Elmer Langote and Ronaldo Anacleto, were also injured in the attack.
According to Police Major Leo Estopa, the victims were asleep when the suspect, Raymund Langote, launched his assault on Brinio. Despite the efforts of Brinio’s relatives to intervene, they too fell victim to the attacker’s blade. Tragically, Brinio could not survive his injuries and was pronounced dead. Meanwhile, Langote and Anacleto are currently recovering in a hospital.
In a desperate attempt to flee, the suspect inflicted self-harm by slashing his own neck, resulting in wounds before being apprehended in Barangay Old Baliwagan with the support of Barangay Guintorilan officials.
Investigations suggest that the suspect may have harbored grudges against their farm overseer, leading him to commit the heinous crime. However, the overseer denies any altercations or misunderstandings with the suspect. Colleagues of the suspect speculate that he may have been dealing with personal problems.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the dangers faced by sugarcane field workers. Local authorities are calling for improved security measures and counseling services to mitigate such tragic incidents in the future.
