Teener dies in Bukidnon ambush

A 14-year old son of a former village chief in Libona, Bukidon was killed in an ambush at Zone 7, barangay Kinawe in Bukidnon, over the weekend.

Police identified the victim as Hope Barros who died along the way to a private hospital in Cagayan de Oro City.

Initial investigation showed that former village chief Tarcisio Barros and his son were heading home from their farm past 5:00 p.m., Saturday.

Onboard a Commando Jeep, the father heard a volley of gunfires coming from different directions upon reaching a curve and isolated area along the way.

When he saw that his son was hit, he immediately maneuvered the vehicle and left the area as fast as he could so he can get his son and bring him to hospital.

Police said the younger Barros sustained gunshot wound on his head and was declared dead on arrival.

Investigators recovered empty shells of caliber 5.56 in the area.

“Naka-recover ta og caliber 5.56 nga mga bala kanang gamit sa M16,” Libona town chief of police Senior Inspector Dino Cuevas said.

Cuevas said they are looking at land dispute as the possible motive of the killing.

Police said Barros’ wife, who is the incumbent village chief, had a conflict with a datu due to land dispute two months ago.

“Sa atong follow-up investigation, naay gihatag nga mga pangalan ang kanhi kapitan pero ato pang i-verify apil pud ang mga nakakita sa hitabo,” Cuevas said.

Operatives are also conducting follow-up operations to identify the gunmen and the mastermind of the gun attack.

Investigators are also looking at other angles to determine the motive of the incident.