By Glazyl M. Jopson and Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – Authorities in Negros Occidental are investigating a land dispute in Barangay Dos Hermanas, Talisay City, after a viral video showed a man allegedly pointing a gun at a woman before firing into the ground.
The incident, which occurred at Hacienda San Antonio Dos, has sparked public outrage and prompted swift action from local officials and the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo).
The video, posted on Facebook, has garnered over 10,000 shares.
Police identified the suspect as 68-year-old Jose Alonsaga, a Talisay City resident. Police Major Rhazl Jim Jocson, deputy chief of the Talisay City Police Station, said the conflict arose from a confrontation between Alonsaga and the victim’s family over disputed land.
“During the argument, the suspect suddenly drew a firearm, aimed it at the victim, and fired shots into the ground,” Jocson said.
Alonsaga faces multiple charges, including grave threats, illegal discharge of firearms, violations of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) gun ban.
Authorities are verifying whether Alonsaga is a legitimate security guard assigned to the area or a hired gun.
Nocppo is also coordinating with the Regional Civil Security Unit and the Firearms and Explosives Office to confirm the security agency’s legality and the status of the firearms used.
Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares condemned the incident, describing it as “alarming and unacceptable.”
“I have always been clear on my stand that I do not and will not tolerate any kind of violence against any Talisaynons,” Lizares said. “Conflicts of any kind can be resolved peacefully and legally.”
The mayor confirmed that charges have been filed against Alonsaga, who is reportedly at large but has a pending case and is under probation. A warrant of arrest is expected soon.
Lizares has also ordered a full investigation into the incident to ensure accountability. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely until this is resolved,” he added.
Police Captain Judesses Catalogo, Nocppo’s public information officer, stated that the police are working with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to verify the land titles of Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) beneficiaries involved in the dispute.
“Our goal is to ensure that no lives are lost while this matter is being addressed,” Catalogo said, noting that Talisay police have been conducting roving patrols to prevent further escalation.
The viral video, which has brought the land dispute to national attention, shows the suspect aiming and firing his gun during a tense confrontation.
Despite the heated nature of the situation, no injuries were reported.
“This incident underscores the importance of resolving land disputes legally and peacefully to prevent violence in our communities,” Police Col. Rainerio De Chavez, Nocppo director, said during a case conference with local police and complainants.
The disputed property at Hacienda San Antonio Dos is reportedly part of an ongoing conflict between private landowners and CLOA beneficiaries, a recurring issue in agrarian reform areas across the country.
Officials are urging the public to remain calm and cooperate with authorities to ensure a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The investigation remains ongoing.
