By Jennifer P. Rendon
A 25-year-old man died after a stabbing incident early morning of March 31 in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.
The body of the victim, identified only as Joemar, a resident of Barangay Lonoy, Ivisan, Capiz, was found at a hollow blocks factory in Barangay Tabucan, where he was working.
A local resident named Manny saw the body lying face down around 5:50 a.m. Monday as he passed by the area.
Manny reported the discovery to authorities after noticing blood on the ground where the victim was slumped.
Capt. Cedrick Cruz, chief of the Barotac Nuevo Police Station, said a follow-up operation led to the discovery that Joemar was last seen with his uncle, 30-year-old Robert, also from Ivisan town, on the night of March 30.
The two were drinking at the hollow blocks factory, where Robert was also employed.
Cruz said Robert was arrested around 6:45 a.m. near the area where Joemar’s body was found.
“He initially denied involvement, but after repeated questioning, he admitted to stabbing Joemar,” Cruz said.
According to the suspect, the two were drinking and having a conversation when the victim allegedly punched him.
He said he retaliated by stabbing his nephew.
Robert claimed he had no previous conflict with the victim before the incident.
He is now detained pending the filing of appropriate charges.