By CESAR JOLITO III

A 53-year-old man was shot dead by three unidentified armed men inside his home in a remote village of Negros Occidental’s Calatrava town on Tuesday morning, May 5.

Calatrava police said the victim, whose identity has not yet been publicly disclosed, was reportedly preparing to leave with his wife when the suspects suddenly appeared around 9:00 a.m. in front of his house at Sitio Agbalatuan in Barangay Dolis.

Initial investigation revealed that the suspects, all male and armed with firearms of still undetermined caliber, approached the couple and asked the victim to step outside for a conversation.

Moments after a brief exchange, the victim reportedly attempted to retreat back into his house, prompting the suspects to follow him inside.

The assailants then opened fire, hitting the victim multiple times in the head and abdomen, resulting in his immediate death.

The man was rushed to the Calatrava District Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Recovered at the crime scene were two spent cartridge cases from a 9mm firearm and one from a .45 caliber gun, indicating the possible weapons used in the attack.

The suspects fled toward the mountainous area of Barangay Maaslob shortly after the shooting.

A hot pursuit operation has been launched, with police working to identify and arrest the perpetrators, as well as determine the motive behind the killing.

Authorities have yet to confirm whether the incident was related to a personal dispute or other factors. Investigation remains ongoing./CJ, WDJ