3 hurt in machete battle in North Cotabato

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines - Three members of an Ilonggo clan were badly wounded in a machete faceoff on Tuesday night in Midsayap town in the province.

The wounded villagers, Terzo Ferolin, 61, his son-in-law Cristituto Comichod, and 19-year-old grandson Jekkey Comichod, were rushed to a hospital by responding barangay officials.

The victims figured in a hacking foray sparked by the unruly behavior by the drunken Cristituto, who first bullied his relatives, forced them to buy liquor and threatened them with his machete if they refuse.

Barangay tanods managed to stop the fight and pacify other clan members who were about to take sides.

The Midsayap police is now investigating on the incident.

Charges against Cristituto are being prepared by the police.