Man, 45, stabbed to death while riding a motorcycle

CEBU, Philippines — A 45-year-old construction worker was stabbed to death by a man while riding a motorcycle in Carcar City, Cebu, on Thursday morning, Aug. 6.

The suspect was arrested less than four hours later in a police operation and remained under detention as of Friday, Aug. 7.

Investigators are preparing murder charges against him, along with a separate attempted murder complaint for the alleged attack on the victim’s companion.

Police said the attack took place at around 8:30 a.m. in Sitio Lower Tawog, Barangay Valladolid.

Investigators learned that the victim, who also lived in Barangay Valladolid, was traveling on his motorcycle with a companion when the suspect allegedly emerged from a nearby bamboo grove and attacked him without warning.

The victim sustained a stab wound to the left side of his body near the armpit after the suspect allegedly used a bladed weapon locally known as a “plamingko,” which police described as a small bolo.

The suspect also allegedly attempted to attack the victim’s companion, but the latter managed to escape and seek assistance from nearby residents.

Residents and the victim’s relatives immediately brought him to Cebu Provincial Hospital–Carcar. However, attending physicians declared him dead on arrival.

Police officers who responded to the scene secured the area, conducted an initial investigation, and immediately launched a manhunt.

The victim’s companion later identified the suspect, providing investigators with information that helped authorities track down his whereabouts.

At about 11:50 a.m., police intercepted the suspect while he was riding a motorcycle in Sitio Pajo, Barangay Valladolid. He was arrested after the eyewitness positively identified him.

Police said the suspect was informed of the reason for his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights before being brought to the Carcar City Police Station for documentation and custodial investigation. The motorcycle he was using was also taken into custody.

A search conducted after the arrest did not recover the bladed weapon allegedly used in the attack, nor did it yield any firearm, illegal drugs, or other prohibited items.

During custodial investigation, the suspect allegedly admitted throwing away the “plamingko” after the incident but failed to identify where he had discarded it.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Arwen DS Nacional, chief of the Carcar City Police Station, said investigators are continuing to establish the motive behind the attack while completing the documentary and evidentiary requirements for the filing of murder and attempted murder charges.

He assured the victim’s family and the public that the police would continue pursuing the case and ensure that justice is served through the proper legal process. (CEBU NEWS)