Hunt on for duck-killers as 'fowl play' raises fear, alarm among locals
Fear has set in among the residents of three barangays in Buenavista, Guimaras following reports of unexplained and mysterious deaths of ducks in the area. The number of 'slaughtered' ducks was placed at about 100 heads yet actual count is believed to be double with rounds still underway to determine the figure. At least six families in the three adjacent villages were reported to have been victimized in an incident made public over Bombo Radyo.
What was initially a call for help by the Hallasco family in Sitio Wayang, Barangay Mclain of said town was followed up by more complaints. The Hallasco household expressed concern after the discovery of some eight ducks killed overnight last week, the second incident after a similar one in August. A neighbor, a certain Allan reached by Bombo Radyo Guimaras Correspondent Eugene Reyes said he lost 22 ducks to the unknown "killers". What further alarmed and raised fear here were the bite marks found in all dead ducks, blood drained and the insides all missing.
Word then spread in adjacent villages where more duck killings were reported particularly in Sitio Jaya Barangay Salvacion and New Poblacion all of Buenavista town. Wild talks then abound of a possible "vampire" in the area furthered by suspicions raised on the presence of new neighbors and transient visitors in the community.
In Sitio Jaya, tricycle driver Pedoc Looma reportedly saw two huge black dogs in the middle of the night prowling around the neighborhood. By Friday morning, barangay officials were told of more duck killings ultimately blamed to the black dogs.
As such, male residents have joined nightly rounds organized by the barangay as members of the Civilian Volunteer Organization (CVO) here focused their efforts on finding the unknown duck-killers.
The incident has caused residents to stay indoors come nighttime particularly children who no longer play outside their houses.