By: Jennifer P. Rendon
A farm hand was found dead with stab and hack injuries morning of Dec. 14, 2019 in Dumangas, Iloilo.
Police identified the victim as Arnel Robete, who was around 40 years old and a native of San Jose, Antique.
Robete worked for a certain Abner Decolongon.
The victim’s employer said the victim was temporarily staying in a hut at Sitio Patahan, Barangay Rosario, along with other farm workers.
Police Major Joven Arevalo, Dumangas police chief, said Robete’s body was found near their living quarters.
The victim’s farm bolo was also recovered near his body. It is believed to be the weapon used in killing the victim.
Investigation indicated that the victim was last seen alive in a drinking binge with fellow farm worker identified only as Nono.
A witness told police that Nono recently expressed his plan to kill Robete.
Nono was nowhere to be found after the victim’s body was discovered.
Arevalo said Nono is now the person of interest in the killing.