2 hurt in mauling, stabbing incidents

CEBU, Philippines - Two men landed at the hospital after they were victimized in separate mauling and stabbing incidents in Cebu City last Saturday night and early morning yesterday.

Reden Batiancela, 18, a resident of sitio Bas, barangay Capitol Site, is now under observation after he was beaten with a metal pipe in the face and stabbed in the back while attending a disco yesterday dawn along M. Velez Street.

Witnesses said a group of youngsters, two of whom were identified as a certain “Niño” and “Budlat” helped together in mauling and stabbing the victim.

Investigation showed that Batiancela was standing outside the area where the benefit dance was held when Niño suddenly appeared and asked if he is a “toughie.” When the victim did not react to his query, the suspect allegedly punched the victim’s face that resulted in a commotion.

When Batiancela retaliated, Budlat, who served as back-up of Niño allegedly collared the victim and beat his face with a metal pipe. Niño then allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim in the left side of his back.

Despite the incident, the victim managed to go back to the disco area and sought the assistance of his companions who rushed him to Cebu City Medical Center for treatment.

Meanwhile, Ricardo Bacalan, Jr., 19, a resident of Purok 8, barangay Camputhaw, was stabbed several times on his body by three youngsters past 10 p.m. last Saturday in P. Del Rosario Street, barangay San Antonio.

The suspects were identified as Benjamin Perez, Maui Prada, and Jordan Palcasantos, all residents of sitio Macaras, barangay Lahug. — Niña G. Sumacot/WAB (THE FREEMAN)