Man attacks helper but stabs son instead

MANILA, Philippines - A 65-year-old man was arrested for attacking his 25-year-old former errand boy, who he believes was having an affair with his 68-year-old wife, at a public market in Caloocan City yesterday.

Police said Reynaldo Go stabbed his son, Ferdinand, by accident when the latter tried to get between him and helper Marlon Magpayo at the Maypajo Public Market at around 7 a.m. Ferdinand suffered a stab wound from an eight-inch kitchen knife that nearly split his left hand in two.

Ferdinand was taken to the Martinez Hospital for initial treatment and was later brought to the National Orthopedic Hospital in Quezon City, where he is scheduled for a major surgical operation.

Police Officer 1 Alejandro Billedo Jr. said the trouble began when Reynaldo, who has been taking sleeping pills for his insomnia, started showing erratic or disorderly behavior.

Magpayo told The STAR that Go, since taking the pills, started accusing him of carrying on an affair with his wife. Magpayo denied the allegations. He left Go’s house last Dec. 19 when Go ran after him with a knife. Ferdinand took Magpayo as a helper at his stall at the public market.

Yesterday, Go spotted Magpayo at his son’s stall and chased him with a knife. They grappled for possession but Magpayo managed to push him off and run away. Ferdinand tried to intervene but was stabbed by his father in the left hand.

Ferdinand was taken to the hospital for treatment while Go was arrested and taken to the nearest police station.

Go, when asked why he attacked Magpayo, said he “cannot reveal” his reason. “It will not help in solving the case if I tell you the story,” he said.

Ferdinand later sent word he will not file charges against his father.

Go was later released after a medical checkup at the Diosdado Macapagal Memorial Medical Center.