Man stabs insistent friend during game

CEBU, Philippines - A man who lost several times in the illegal game “hantak” stabbed his companion dead last Thursday afternoon in Barangay Langob, Argao.

The victim, Edgar Embudo, a farmer and a resident in the barangay, was declared dead on arrival at the Isidro C. Kintanar Memorial Hospital. He succumbed to two stab wounds on his left arm and left part of his chest.

The suspect, Alejandro Alvarracin, 46, a resident of Barangay Calawin, is currently detained at the Argao police stockade. He surrendered to responding policemen right after the incident.

SPO1 Arnold Abenir, of the Argao Police Station, said both were at the said barangay which was celebrating its annual fiesta celebration.

Both Alvarracin and Embudo were under the influence of liquor when they were playing “hantak” together with some companions at around 3pm.

Abenir said Alvarracin was losing about P150 when Embudo advised him to stop betting. Alvarracin, however, did not listen and continued to play but Embudo was reportedly persistent. 

The last time Embudo gave his unsolicited advice, Embudo pulled out a hunting knife tucked in his waist and stabbed Embudo twice.

“Sigihan man pud siya ug badlong nga wa nay kwarta unya di na papustahon,” Abenir said.

Abenir said they were heading to the area to respond the incident when they saw a motorcycle-for-hire approaching them boarded by Alvarracin. The suspect surrendered to them. — (FREEMAN)