An unidentified gunman shot and killed an elderly man yesterday June 17, 2016 in Sitio Pag-asa, Barangay Poblacion, Sierra Bullones.

According to the police, the victim Mauron Butron, 61, was working at his rice paddy with his son Marlon when the masked assailant approached the victim and shot him after a brief conversation.

The suspect asked the victim, a resident of the said sitio, if he had seen a female carabao, but when the elder Butron said “no,” the gunman immediately drew his .45 caliber pistol and pointed it at the victim.

Butron and his son were able to run but he was shot in the back by the suspect.

The victim was rushed to the Carmen District Hospital but died after attempts to save his life.

Authorities are looking at people who the victim had conflicts with as possible suspects while it was noted that Butron went against an illegal quarry operation in the area.

The victim could have also been involved in another conflict regarding land ownership.

The police continue to conduct an investigation to pinpoint the motive and people behind the crime. (with reports from Rey Tutas)