Teen neighbor attacks household: 4-yr-old boy killed, mother and grandma wounded

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — A four-year-old boy died of stab and hack wounds, while his mother and grandmother were seriously wounded after they were attacked Wednesday afternoon by a teenage neighbor inside their house at the mountain village of Cabcaban, about 30 kilometers from the town proper of Bindoy, Negros Oriental.

Senior Insp. Edilberto Gravador, Bindoy Police chief, identified the fatality as Raymart Balasabas Crisostomo, whose mother Maribel sustained injuries on her shoulder and back, and grandmother Leticia Balasabas, who suffered serious wounds that deformed her face.

The two wounded victims were rushed to a hospital in this city, while the suspect, identified as 18-year-old Jojo Casido voluntarily surrendered to the police and is now detained as criminal charges will be filed against him in court.

Initial police investigation showed Casido allegedly tried to rape Maribel, who was able to fight back and run away. Casido, armed with a bladed weapon, later engaged in a confrontation with the three victims and, for still unknown reason, attacked the latter.

Bindoy town Mayor Valente Yap has pledged financial assistance to the victims. (FREEMAN)