CABANATUAN CITY—A farmer was killed while another was wounded in a shooting incident in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, after unidentified gunmen opened fire on them while they were drying palay along the roadside.

Police identified the fatality as Armando Diaz, 56, of Barangay Bakod Bayan, who sustained a gunshot wound to the neck and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. The injured victim was named as Fernando Jr. Atacador, 31, also a resident of the same barangay, who was hit in the nose and is currently undergoing treatment.

Initial investigation revealed that Atacador had a heated argument earlier that day with a man known only as “Ponso,” 43, from Bustos, Bulacan. The quarrel reportedly escalated into a struggle over a firearm. Moments later, two unidentified suspects arrived and shot both Diaz and Atacador while they were gathering their palay from the roadside.

Witnesses said the assailants quickly fled aboard a motorcycle without license plates. Relatives of Diaz told local media that the dispute stemmed from the palay spread out on the road, which allegedly blocked the suspect’s passage.

Police have launched a manhunt operation to track down the suspects and are reviewing CCTV footage in the area. Authorities have also implemented “Oplan Bakod” to expedite the investigation and prevent further violence.

The incident has sparked concern among residents, highlighting the dangers of roadside palay drying practices and the need for stricter enforcement of safety measures in farming communities.