TACLOBAN CITY- A 34-year old farmer was shot and killed before he was beheaded in Gandara, Samar.

Authorities identified the victim as Christopher Wahingon of Barangay San Francisco, Gandara whose body was found around 8 a.m. Wednesday (July 7) at the said barangay.

Initial investigation disclosed that Wangihon went to his farmland Tuesday morning, July 6, before he was killed.

At least six persons carrying high powered firearms were also sighted at their barangay before the incident.

They were heading towards the victim’s farmland, according to the police investigation.

A burst of gunfire was heard at the barangay around 2 p.m. Tuesday, it 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 at the crime scene.

Gandara Municipal Police have launched a manhunt operation against the suspects. (RONALD O.REYES)