Man hacks neighbor on stealing allegation

A 17-year-old boy was reportedly hacked dead by his 25-year-old neighbor for allegedly accusing the latter of stealing a chicken in barangay Anajao, Argao town Wednesday night.

The victim was identified as Jorge Villagonzalo, while the suspect, Berlito Sarcauga, has been reported to be a relative of the town mayor. The suspect allegedly hacked the victim in the nape using a scythe.

Initial investigation conducted by responding policemen revealed that Sarcauga hacked Villagonzalo while they were both watching television at a neighbor's house.

The victim was immediately brought by his father Alfredo and Anajao barangay captain Nido Albero to the Isidro C. Kintanar Memorial Hospital but was later transferred to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center where he died Thursday morning.

The suspect, who surrendered to the Argao Police Station following a hot pursuit operation, is now detained at the municipal jail pending the filing of appropriate charges in court.

PO3 Arnold Abenir told The Freeman yesterday that the victim embarrassed the suspect by alleging that the latter stole a chicken. Abenir said the suspect's mother is the niece of Argao Mayor Wilfredo Caminero.

Abenir added that they are now planning to release the suspect since there are no charges being filed against him in court as the reglamentary period had already lapsed.

In a telephone interview yesterday afternoon, Sarcauga told The Freeman that it was not he but Villagonzalo who is a thief, claiming that he is a relative of the town mayor.

He said Villagonzalo twisted the story that he stole a chicken when in fact it was the victim who stole their coconut, banana and chicken.

"Gipakauwawan ko ato niya nga nangawat ko og manok pero gibali niya ang istorya. Siya maoy nangawat. Kawatan kaayo to siya'g lubi, saging ug manok unya ibaligya ug isugal ang halin," the suspect said.

The suspect claimed that he hacked the victim when he saw him gamble in their neighbor's house.

The suspect said his sister, who went to VSMMC, told him that the victim had expired around 7:00 a.m. the other day, adding that she went to the hospital since the relatives of the victim asked for financial assistance from them.

He stated further that the victim's relatives would not file charges against him since they have no money. - Norvie S. Misa