A 63-year-old farmer while driving his motorcycle in a secluded road in Carmen town was shot dead by a still unidentified gunman on Tuesday afternoon over a possible land dispute.

According to Carmen police chief Major Sam Dacullo, victim Celestino Cepada and his companion who was riding pillion, Ranel Cuerbo were traversing a narrow road in Barangay La Victoria at 3 p.m. when the lone assailant ambushed them.

“Padung na sila [victims] uli unya ang ilang gi-again way lain tig agi, kasagaran mga maguuma ra pod. Mao to gi ambush sila, gi-atangan,” said Dacullo.

Dacullo added that Cuerbo was shot first causing him to fall off the motorcycle and allowing him to flee.

Cepada however sustained gunshot wounds in his head and leg causing his instantaneous death.

“Segun sa nabuhi na biktima [Cuerbo], siya maoy una naigo unya kadtong isa na ga drive [Cepada], natuba kauban sa motor unya base sa among imbestigasyon gi dul-itan siya og pusil,” Dacullo said.

Initial police investigation indicated that the gunman was armed with a 9mm pistol based on the seven spent shells found in the crime scene.

After the shooting, the gunman was believed to have fled on foot while Cuerbo who sustained a gunshot wound in his stomach was able to ask assistance from barangay officials who in turn alerted the police.

Cepada however was already lifeless when responding police arrived.

“Based sa among investigation mura’g ang punterya g’yud is kadtong namatay maong wa na sunda tong nabuhi na biktima,” said Dacullo.

According to Dacullo, they are looking at a land dispute as possible motive behind the gun attack.

The police chief however refused to divulge further information so as not to jeopardize the ongoing investigation. (A. Doydora)