ORMOC CITY– A drinking session turned fatal after a farmer was hacked to death by his drinking companion over a personal grudge on Tuesday night, October 14, in Barangay Balacdas, Borongan City.
Police identified the victim as alias “Lito,” of legal age, and a resident of Barangay Balacdas. The suspect, alias “Bato,” 32, single, and also a farmer from the same village, was arrested shortly after the incident.
Based on the report of the Borongan City Police to the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), the incident occurred at around 9:20 p.m. Authorities were alerted by a phone call about a hacking incident in the barangay and immediately dispatched a team to the area.
Initial investigation revealed that around 7:00 p.m., the victim and the suspect were drinking with several others when the victim later went to a nearby store. A heated argument reportedly broke out between the victim and the store owner.
During the commotion, the suspect arrived carrying a sharp-bladed weapon locally known as a sundang and hacked the victim, hitting him in the armpit. The blow proved fatal, and the victim died instantly.
Police said the suspect later admitted that he and the victim had a prior altercation, which may have led to the attack.
The victim’s body was brought to a local funeral parlor for post-mortem examination. Meanwhile, the suspect was detained at the Borongan City Police Station, where he was informed of his rights. The weapon used in the crime was also recovered as evidence.
(ROBERT DEJON)
