Man who tried to stab co-worker dead charged

CEBU, Philippines – Finding probable cause, the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has indicted a 50-year-old resident of Barangay Pahina Central for allegedly attempting to kill his co-worker last week.

Prosecutor Ruso Zaragoza held Antonio Encinas for trial for attempted murder over his alleged attempt to stab dead his co-worker Jose Dela Victoria, 34.

“...the said accused, armed with a knife, with treachery and evident premeditation, with deliberate intent, with intent to kill, did then and there feloniously, unlawfully stab one Jose Dela Victoria, while the latter was having a drinking spree with his co-workers,” the charge sheet read.

Zaragoza recommended P80,000 bail for the suspect.

Dela Victoria, a resident of Tabok Kanal, Barangay Pardo, alleged that he was having a drinking spree with his other co-workers on October 25, at about 12:15 a.m., when Encinas arrived.

Allegedly without any provocation, the suspect pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim, hitting his right chest.

Dela Victoria said his co-workers whom he had a drinking spree scampered for safety.

“The suspect thought that I was dead and left the area,” he said.

After the suspect left, the other co-workers rushed towards the victim and brought him to the hospital.

The victim said the suspect had an ill feeling towards him over some work-related issues.

In an inquest proceeding before the prosecutor’s office, the suspect chose not to undergo preliminary investigation and instead manifested to face the charges in court. — (FREEMAN)