In Northern Samar
TACLOBAN CITY — A 45-year-old man allegedly stabbed a fellow tricycle driver to death after confronting him for showing up uninvited to his granddaughter’s birthday celebration in Laoang, Northern Samar on Wednesday, February 11.
The victim, identified by police as alias “Ozy,” 56, married and a resident of Barangay Sto. Niño, Laoang, sustained multiple stab wounds and was declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.
Police said the suspect, alias “Pepz,” 45, also a tricycle driver and a resident of Barangay San Miguel Heights, voluntarily surrendered to the Laoang Municipal Police Station shortly after the incident. He also turned over a kitchen knife believed to have been used in the stabbing.
Initial investigation showed that the suspect was at his residence along Carmen Boulevard in Barangay San Miguel Heights preparing for his granddaughter’s birthday celebration when the victim arrived at the gathering.
Authorities said the suspect confronted the victim, reportedly questioning why he went to the celebration despite not being invited. Witnesses told police that a heated argument ensued after the victim allegedly refused to leave the premises.
The confrontation escalated, with the suspect allegedly grabbing a kitchen knife and stabbing the victim several times.
Concerned residents reported the incident to authorities at around 5:25 p.m. Responding police officers immediately proceeded to the area and rushed the wounded victim to the hospital, but he was later pronounced dead by the attending physician.
Police are now preparing the appropriate charges against the suspect, who remains under custody of the Laoang Municipal Police Station as the investigation continues.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
