By Jennifer P. Rendon
One versus two.
An 18-year-old boy stabbed two teenagers who allegedly mauled him in Banate, Iloilo on March 20, 2023.
The incident happened some 50 meters from the barangay hall of Bobon, Banate, where a community dance was held.
Police identified the suspect as Michael Mondega, a resident of Barangay Jelicuon Oeste, New Lucena, Iloilo.
Lieutenant Dandy Ilalto, Banate police chief, said the victims, John Rey Emotin, 18, a student, and Keneth Lester Piosca, 19, both residents of Barangay Bariga, Banate, are now in stable condition.
Emotin suffered stab wounds on the right portion of his chest and right arm while Piosca was hit on his neck.
Mondega told investigators that he brought three young women home prior to the stabbing episode at 12:30 a.m. on Monday.
Several meters from the dance hall, Emotin and Piosca allegedly tailed him. One of the victims tapped him and before he knew it, punches were thrown at him.
There was no altercation prior to that.
Mondega said he was left with no choice but to use the knife his friend allegedly left with him.
The suspect immediately fled but was arrested in a hot pursuit operation three hours later.
Ilalto said that Mondega and Emotin have not been involved in any crime prior to Monday’s stabbing.
However, Piosca had been linked to a stabbing incident but the case was amicably settled.
Mondega is now detained pending the filing of charges against him.
