By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Farm livestock at Hacienda Najalinan, Barangay Robles in La Castellana were found severely mutilated yesterday morning.

Among the killed animals were one carabao, six cattle, and one pig.

In a radio interview with local purok leader Evelyn Balajang, the mutilation of farm animals initially started last month, when animals were reported to have been hit in the head with a rock and repeatedly stabbed or sliced in the neck.

Ernesto Libres, a cattle farmer, said he found two of his own livestock dead last Wednesday morning, and suspected three unidentified individuals were responsible.

Libres estimated his loses at P37,000.

Another cattle farmer, Pit Estoya, said he found his own livestock dead inside an abandoned house, which was formerly owned by a certain Badjok Dumaguit.

Estoya said the suspects also proceeded to his pig pen and attacked and killed one of the pigs.

Overall, around P200,000 worth of livestock were lost in the attacks.

La Castellana police investigator, Police Officer 2 Andronico Tribaco, said, based on his investigation, the culprits likely conducted the attacks during the early morning hours and used the heavy rain as a cover.

Residents in the area believe the attacks were perpetrated by a cult, although Tribaco believes the incidents were committed by individuals either jealous of the livestock owners or were annoyed with the animals.

Barangay Robles Captain Joefred Zapanta, meanwhile, is expected to call a community meeting in order to find a way to stop the attacks.

Zapanta urged farm owners to remain vigilant and suggested they immediately inform police if they spot the perpetrators./DGB, WDJ