Farmer hacked dead in Quezon; suspect hunted

MACALELON, Quezon — A 28-year-old farmer was hacked to death in Barangay Padre Herrera here early Saturday, 24 October, prompting a police manhunt for the suspect.

The Macalelon Municipal Police Station identified the victim only as “Rean,” a resident of the barangay.

According to the initial police investigation, the victim and the suspect had been drinking with companions before leaving the gathering and heading to a dark area to connect to a free Wi-Fi service.

One of their companions later passed through the area on his way home and allegedly witnessed the suspect hacking the victim, police said.

The incident occurred at about 12:30 a.m. in Sitio Centro. A barangay councilor reported it to the police station at about 3:45 a.m.

Police identified the suspect only as “Jaydee,” also a farmer and resident of Barangay Padre Herrera.

He allegedly fled on foot, carrying the weapon, toward a mountainous area leading to the boundary of Gumaca, Quezon.

Macalelon police launched a pursuit operation and interviewed the victim’s family, relatives and witnesses. Crime scene investigators were also requested to process the area.

The suspect remained at large as of the police reporting period ending at 6 a.m. Sunday, 25 October. The report did not establish a motive for the attack.