CEBU, Philippines – The Lapu-Lapu City fiesta celebration in honor of the Virgin of the Rule (Birhen sa Regla) turned bloody when a man ran amuck and started hacking people in barangay Poblacion yesterday leaving eight, including himself injured.
One of the victims is still in critical condition and is now confined at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City.
The suspect was identified as Rosalio Tariman, 22 years old and a native of barangay Aurora Tinago, Zamboanga City, but presently staying in Lapu-Lapu City. He does not, however, have any permanent address as police said that Tariman sleeps on the sidewalks of their city.
Tariman was also hurt in the incident as quick-acting policemen shot him twice to stop his carnage. He is now confined at the Cebu City Medical Center, but was first brought to the VSMMC.
The police said that the suspect was sitting along the road near the city auditorium when he suddenly took out an 11-inch knife and started hacking people at Plaza Rizal, which is just outside the church.
PO1 Archie Borres and PO1 Roel Pelones, who were detailed in the area to help secure the people, rushed to the area where Tariman was and tried to stop him.
The suspect refused to heed the policemen and instead went for them with his knife.
Pelones tried to get the attention of Tariman while Borres maneuvered to the area behind the suspect.
When Tariman tried to lunge at Pelones, Borres shot the former twice hitting him on the back.
The policemen then handcuffed Tariman and brought him to the hospital. He is out of danger.
The victim, who is in critical condition, was identified as Felicita Makalipay, 60 years old and a resident of V. Rama Ave., Cebu City. She was in the area to sell ice drop.
Makalipay was still undergoing surgery as of late afternoon yesterday but was already in stable condition.
The others who sustained injuries were identified as Rosita Gilig, 56 of Sta. Rosa, Olango Island; Roel Cerencio, 26 of sitio Salvage, barangay Looc; Andrecia Sumalinog, 38, sitio Ilaya, barangay Marigondon; Lorry Cañete, 33, Puso Center, barangay Mactan; Bebelyn Amabao, 26, Bakilid, Mandaue City; and Jeffrey Vargas, 35.
The other victims are also confined at the VSMMC.
PO3 Discoro Arong of Lapu-Lapu City Police Station said that Tariman suddenly shouted "akong pamatyon kay nay planong mupatay sa akong ginikanan."
The people who frequent the area said that Tariman suffered a nervous breakdown and has been known to hang out in the park and sleep there at night.
Lapu-Lapu City Police Office director Sr. Supt. Mariano Natuel, Jr. told The FREEMAN that he will request the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 to give a commendation to the two policemen for their bravery.
He said it is not also necessary to confiscate their service firearms as part of the investigation as they were only responding to a call of duty.-/NLQ (FREEMAN)