Two kins killed in drunken commotion

A police officer probes a hacking incident between two relatives that led to their deaths in Barangay Masaling, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office)

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – A misunderstanding fueled by drunkenness claimed the lives of two individuals in Barangay Masaling, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, last Sunday.

Police identified the fatalities as Saturnino Angel, 42, and his cousin Reynaldo Onabia, 35, both residents of the village.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Gary Alan Resuma, town police chief, reported that Onabia and Angel’s brother-in-law had a drinking session when a heated argument ensued between them.

To avoid escalating the altercation, Angel’s brother-in-law decided to go home. However, Onabia, allegedly armed with a bolo and knife, went to the house of Angel’s brother-in-law and challenged him.

The wife of Angel’s brother-in-law managed to pacify them. After a while, Angel arrived and confronted Onabia, leading to a commotion.

Resuma stated that Onabia and Angel hacked each other. Both were declared dead at the hospital.

Meanwhile, in Kabankalan City, a staff member of a cockpit was stabbed to death by a 42-year-old man at a relocation site in Barangay 9 that same day, due to a misunderstanding.

Police identified the fatality as Gerald Billeran, 40, of Barangay Hilamonan.

According to the police investigation, Billeran was celebrating the fiesta at the carnival when the suspect arrived and allegedly stabbed him in the back. Billeran was declared dead at the hospital.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Roberto Indiape Jr., city police chief, stated that the suspect felt deceived by the victim, who would allegedly laugh at him if he lost a game and delay payments if he won.

Indiape mentioned that the suspect was later arrested and may face murder charges.