One dead, two hurt in stabbing incidents

CEBU, Philippines - A carpenter was killed while two other people were wounded in three separate violent attacks in Cebu City last Sunday.

The fatality was identified as Reynaldo Relatado, 30, a stay-in carpenter of Yballe Construction and a native of Barangay Tulang, Argao town, who died of stab wounds to the chest.

Cebu City Police Office investigator PO3 Geoffrey Gutual said that the victim was drunk when he was attacked by an unidentified man at corner J. Llorente and Don Mariano Cui streets, Barangay Capitol Site, Cebu City at around 10 p.m.

Gutual said that the victim earlier drank alcohol with his co-workers and reportedly harassed a group of girls.

“Kining biktima, nga hubog na kaayo, mi-harong og usa ka grupo sa mga babaye ug nangayo sa ilang mga cellphone number,” he said. The girls tried several times to avoid the persistent Relatado.

After they got away, one of the girls warned him of payback.

“Una nakalakaw ning mga babaye, gibaharan ni siya nga balikan,” Gutual said.

Minutes later, an unidentified man who was wearing a black jacket and black t-shirt came and stabbed Relatado with a kitchen knife.

The weapon was still there when police arrived at the scene.

The assailant immediately fled on foot towards B. Rodriguez St., Barangay Sambag 2, Cebu City. 

The victim was rushed to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center but was declared dead.

Meanwhile, in Barangay Pardo, Cebu City, Elmer Galia, 27, was stabbed by his neighbor, Reynaldo “Toto” Respondo, 40 for no apparent reason.

Galia said that Respondo reportedly just came from a heated argument with his wife when he suddenly rushed out of their house and stabbed the victim.

“Gikalitan ra gyud siya og dunggab sa suspetsado,” said Gutual.

Galia sustained wounds on both arms after fending off Respondo’s attacks. Respondo fled on foot and is still at large.

Gutual further said that the attack may have been triggered by Respondo’s anger at his wife.

In Barangay Tinago, Cebu City, Daniel Pepito, 40, of Sitio Wakwak, was stabbed in the right side of his abdomen while attending a wake.

The police identified his attacker as his neighbor Eulario Osabel, 78, who immediately fled after the attack.

The victim, who slumped bloodied to the floor, was rushed by the brother of his live-in partner to the Cebu City Medical Center for treatment.   (FREEMAN)