Man stabbed dead by “friend”

CEBU, Philippines — A friendship turned deadly after a 30-year-old man was fatally stabbed by his alleged friend during a violent confrontation in Barangay Balud, Dalaguete town, Cebu, last Thursday afternoon, June 11.

The victim, Jonard Baceite, of Sitio Amonsal, Barangay Catolohan, died after he was stabbed several times during the incident. The alleged attacker, Ponciano Belia Pueblo, also known as “Poncing,” a resident of Barangay Balud, was later apprehended by authorities.

Police investigation showed that Baceite had been staying at Pueblo’s residence for two days prior to the incident.

According to investigators, Pueblo was resting on the lower bunk of a double-deck bed when Baceite arrived and allegedly started acting aggressively. The victim reportedly hit the upper portion of the bed, causing the suspect to wake up.

Authorities said Pueblo got up and drank water, but tensions quickly escalated when Baceite allegedly challenged him to a fight and dared him to draw his bolo.

The suspect allegedly responded by attacking the victim with the bolo.

Despite sustaining stab wounds to the back, neck, and jaw, Baceite managed to run from the house. However, police said the suspect chased after him, caught up with him along the roadside, and continued the assault.

Residents who witnessed the incident sought assistance, and the victim was rushed to the Municipal Health Office in Barangay Poblacion, Dalaguete, but he was dead on arrival.

Following the incident, Pueblo fled the area but was subsequently tracked down and arrested by responding policemen.

Further investigation revealed that Baceite had previously been convicted of frustrated murder in 2017 and was known to law enforcement authorities. Police also disclosed that the suspect had reportedly been arrested several times in the past and allegedly claimed that the killing was not his first.

Authorities are now preparing the appropriate charges against Pueblo as the investigation continues.(CEBU NEWS)