One of the suspects in the hacking and killing of a senior citizen on the morning of June 3 in Sitio Busngol, Purok Looban, Barangay Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City, has surrendered to authorities.
According to the police report, 17-year-old suspect alias “Edi” turned himself in at the police station last night, accompanied by his parents. Meanwhile, his older brother, alias “Badoy,” remains at large and is the subject of an ongoing police manhunt.
The two suspects are nephews of the victim’s wife. The victim, identified as Wilfredo Usap, 66, was a farmer who sustained wounds on various parts of his body caused by hacking.
Initial investigation by Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO) Station 2, based on witness testimonies, showed that the two brothers chased the victim, and upon catching up, stabbed and hacked him.
In an interview with Palawan-based radio station XFM, the victim’s wife, Angelita Usap, said she was at home when she learned about the incident after a neighbor called her.
She also said she could not think of any other possible motive except a long-standing land dispute, but noted that the issue had long been settled and both parties had already resumed greeting each other when they crossed paths.
“Noon pa po ‘yun, katagal-tagal na po nun at ilang taon na ang nakaraan. Hindi lang po pitong taon, matagal na, [nagbabatian] na rin sila pag nagsalubong. Dahil po ito [dating alitan] sa mamanahing lupa dito. Dalawa silang magkapatid, nakainom [alak] pero ‘yung asawa ko po, wala,” Angelita said during her interview with XFM Palawan.
She also expressed thanks that one of the suspects has surrendered, and hopes the other one will either surrender soon or be immediately arrested so that her husband’s death may be given justice.
“Gusto ko na tulungan po ninyo ako na mahuli siya agad [alyas Badoy] para ano na rin akong… sa aking kalooban na parang natatakot na rin ako na baka balikan kami dito at saka ganun ang ginawa nila sa asawa ko,” she added.
Meanwhile, the filing of charges against the suspects is being prepared as police continue their manhunt operation for the other suspect in the case.
