Benguet driver hauling fertilizer stabbed to death in Tarlac town; cash missing

Benguet, Philippines – A driver from Benguet was fatally stabbed while buying chicken dung in the town of Gerona, Tarlac.

The victim was identified as Wilfred A. Bejara, 50, a resident of Tublay, Benguet.

Initial investigation revealed that a resident of La Trinidad, who personally knew the victim, was also in Barangay Magaspac, Gerona, on Friday morning, January 9, 2026. He noticed Bejara’s truck parked along the roadside. Upon opening the vehicle’s front door, he discovered the victim’s lifeless body.

Autopsy results showed that Bejara succumbed to a fatal stab wound to the left side of his chest, according to the Gerona Municipal Police Station (MPS).

Police said the victim had long been buying chicken dung in the barangay, which is commonly used as fertilizer in Benguet, and had already established acquaintances in the area. It was his usual practice to travel alone to and from the barangay, hiring only local haulers to load the fertilizer onto his truck.

When found, Bejara’s pouch containing his cellphone and identification cards was still with him. However, cash estimated at around ₱60,000 was missing. The truck operator stated that he had given Bejara ₱50,000 and was expecting him to remit an additional ₱10,000.

Police said the suspect may be someone known to the victim and could be among the fertilizer haulers. A person of interest has already been identified but remains at large. Authorities withheld the name to avoid compromising the investigation.

The police said they are working toward the speedy resolution of the case with the help of witnesses who have come forward.