1 dead in stabbing rampage

A construction worker was killed, while his colleague was injured when a suspected drug addict went on a stabbing rampage inside a construction site in Binondo, Manila Sunday night.

Police identified the fatality as Francisco Navarro, 47, married, of Gate 10, Area B, Parola Compound, Tondo. He was declared dead on arrival at the Gat Andres Bonifacio Hospital due to a stab wound in the chest.

A stay-in worker, Jason Nicolas, 23, married, also sustained a stab wound in the left ear. He was later released from the same hospital after treatment.

Police are now hunting down the suspect identified as a certain Bong Natividad, a pedicab driver and a known drug addict. He was described as about 21 years old, at least 5’3 in height, of medium built and with a dark complexion.

Investigation conducted by SPO4 Alfredo Salazar showed the suspect had an earlier quarrel with Nicolas inside a construction site at High Peak Steel Construction at the corner of Muelle de Binondo and Dasmariñas streets at about 7 p.m. Sunday.

At the height of their altercation, the suspect reportedly pulled out a bladed weapon and stabbed Nicolas in the left ear. Nicolas then ran inside the construction area but the suspect tried to follow him. At this juncture, Navarro stopped the suspect from entering the compound but the suspect stabbed him in the chest without provocation. When Navarro fell bloodied, the suspect escaped. Laborers at the construction site brought the two victims to the hospital. – Nestor Etolle, Cecille Suerte Felipe