By CESAR JOLITO III

A 48-year-old game fowl breeder was gunned down early Tuesday morning, November 11, at his game farm at Barangay Marcelo in Negros Occidental’s Calatrava town, as police launched an intensive investigation into the motive and identities of the suspects.

Calatrava police deputy chief Lt. Dwight Fajardo identified the victim only as “Max,” who was tending to his fighting cocks around 6:30 a.m. when three unidentified gunmen arrived and shot him from behind.

Fajardo said Max sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his back and a deep slash wound on the nape.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries before noon.

Investigators recovered from the crime scene one spent .45-caliber cartridge and a 12-gauge shotgun shell, indicating that more than one firearm was used in the attack.

Authorities are looking into several possible angles, including personal grudge or business-related conflict, as they review the background and recent activities of the victim.

Police have intensified their pursuit operation and appealed to nearby residents for any information that could help identify the assailants.

“This was a planned attack. We are coordinating with witnesses and nearby barangays for leads,” Fajardo said./CJ, WDJ