A 34-YEAR-OLD farmer was shot and killed before he was decapitated in Gandara, Samar.

Authorities identified the victim as Christopher Wahingon, with common-law wife and a resident of Barangay San Francisco, Gandara.

The victim’s body was found around 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in Barangay San Francisco.

Initial investigation disclosed that Wangihon went to his farmland Tuesday morning, July 6.

At least six persons who were carrying high-powered firearms were also sighted in the village before the shooting incident.

They were seen heading toward the victim’s farmland, said police.

A burst of gunfire was heard in the barangay around 2 p.m. Tuesday, the police added.

The family started searching for the victim after he did not return home the following day.

Authorities recovered four empty cartridges of caliber 5.56 mm from the crime scene.

The Gandara Municipal Police have launched a manhunt operation against the gunmen. (SunStar Philippines)