Violence mars Holy Week in Butuan, Surigao Norte town

BUTUAN CITY — A 52-year-old was stoned to death by his own nephew, a six-year-old girl was raped and killed by drug-crazed youths, and a man was stabbed several times.

These violent incidents marred what could have been a solemn observance of the Holy Week here and in Sta. Monica, Surigao del Norte.

Past midnight of Holy Thursday, neighbors of Alberto Elacre in Barangay Mabini, Sta. Monica, Surigao del Norte, found him lifeless, allegedly stoned to death by his nephew, Artemio Monter, 31, due to an old feud.

Police said Monter also struck his uncle’s head with a piece of rock weighing more than a kilo, causing his instant death.

Monter gave himself up to local authorities after the incident.

On the same day, the stab-ridden body of Juvan Silaya Villanueva was found in a grassy portion of the Cotabato-Agusan river dike in Barangay Vicente here.

Villanueva, identified through a baptismal certificate found in his wallet, was believed to be a victim of a gang war.

Meanwhile, a six-year-old girl, still unidentified and believed snatched in another place, was raped and killed by suspected drug-crazed youths in Barangay Libertad here.

Local folk have expressed alarm over the upsurge of crimes not only in this city but throughout the region.