By CESAR JOLITO III

Two separate violent incidents in Negros Occidental left two persons dead and another injured, prompting separate police investigations.

In Bago City, a 46-year-old barangay tanod commander identified only as alias “Jose” was stabbed dead, while another tanod member, alias “Restom,” 33, was injured in the attack shortly after midnight in Purok Surgom 1, Barangay Bacong yesterday.

Police identified the suspect as 45-year-old alias “Aming,” a resident of the same barangay.

Initial investigation showed that the two tanods were serving as security personnel during a dance party held as part of the purok fiesta celebration when they responded to assist a female attendee who had become dizzy.

Authorities said the suspect suddenly and without apparent provocation stabbed alias “Jose” on the left side of his body before fleeing.

“Restom” chased the suspect in an attempt to apprehend him but was also stabbed, sustaining an injury to his left shoulder.

Both victims were rushed to Bago City Hospital, where alias “Jose” was declared dead on arrival.

Police have launched a manhunt operation against the suspect.

Meanwhile, in San Carlos City, a 20-year-old farmer died after being shot in Barangay Codcod’s Sitio Balangbang at around 11:00 p.m. on Friday, July 3.

Police said the victim was inside their kitchen making rice cakes for his live-in partner, who was celebrating her birthday, when a burst of gunfire suddenly rang out from outside.

He sustained gunshot wounds to the right temple and neck.

He was rushed to the San Carlos City Hospital but was later declared dead by the attending physician.

The unidentified gunman fled immediately after the attack.

Investigators recovered three spent 12-gauge shotgun slugs from the crime scene.

Police are conducting separate investigations to identify the motive behind both incidents and to locate the suspects involved./CCJ, WDJ