A land caretaker in Purok Buenaswerte, Barangay Buenavista, Puerto Princesa City, was killed when he was shot at 2 a.m. yesterday, October 16.
The victim was identified as Donato Mercado Labeña, 48, an area resident.
According to Police Station 4, based on information from the victim’s wife, their dogs were barking, which woke up her husband, prompting him to go outside. However, as soon as he opened the kitchen door of their hut, he was met with five consecutive gunshots.
His wife tried to help him, but he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
“Buhay pa daw sabi ng misis, tapos gusto pa niyang buhatin ang biktima. Sinabihan pa siya na, ‘Tumawag ka sa malapit na bahay, humingi ka ng tulong,’ pero pinili niya na hilahin na lang ang biktima. Hanggang pagdating sa ilog, doon na namatay,” the investigator said.
Before the shooting, the victim had reportedly been involved in several disputes, often due to his naturally loud voice, which neighbors frequently misunderstood. He also had a recent conflict over land.
“Pinaliwanag na din daw ng misis ng biktima sa mga kapitbahay nila na huwag daw isipin na galit ang kanyang asawa dahil normal sa kanya ‘yung laging mataas ang boses,” added a personnel from Police Station 4 who spoke to *Palawan News*.
“Maliban pa doon, noong nakaraang buwan, nagkaroon din ng kaaway ang biktima tungkol sa lupang kanilang tinitirhan bilang caretaker,” the officer added.
Although the suspect escaped, the victim’s wife provided the police with two names that could lead their investigation.
