ORMOC CITY— A fisherman was stabbed and two houses were set ablaze by a man reportedly suffering from a mental condition in Brgy. Cantuhaon, Palompon on Feb.17.
The victim, alias “Jomar,” 34, a fisherman from Sitio Lower Bitoon, was reportedly attacked by 29-year-old “Athan,” a local resident, after rushing to the scene of a fxre at another fisherman’s house. The suspect allegedly ignited two light-material homes using a kerosene lamp and then stabbed Jomar without apparent provocation.
Capt. Rushty Alvarado, town’s police chief officer-in-charge, said responding police coordinated with the Bureau of Fire Protection to control the fire, while conducting a hot pursuit of the suspect. Athan was later found hiding in a pump boat along the seashore and apprehended. The weapon used in the stabbing was not recovered.
Jomar was rushed to Isabel Emergency Hospital for treatment. The fire destroyed two houses along with two motorcycles, two TVs, and other personal belongings, with damages estimated at P283,000.
The suspect was informed of his constitutional rights and brought to Palompon Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper legal disposition.
Authorities emphasized the need for community awareness and monitoring regarding individuals with mental health challenges to prevent such violent incidents.
(ROBERT DEJON)
