By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – A six-year-old girl sustained injuries after being randomly attacked by a man believed to be mentally ill at a school in Barangay Linao, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental last Saturday.
The city’s police chief, Lieutenant Colonel Roberto Indiape Jr., reported that the child was playing with a relative of the 34-year-old suspect when he saw her and allegedly stabbed her with an ice pick in the chest.
Indiape explained that although classes were not in session, the school gate was open, allowing the suspect access to the school grounds.
The suspect claimed he was upset by people mocking him and upon encountering the child may have vented his anger on her.
“Nandulom daw iya panulukan sang gin pulihan siya sunlog sang mga tawo,” said the police chief.
After the incident, the suspect tried to flee but was apprehended following a brief chase in Barangay Camugao.
The victim was conscious when she was taken to the hospital, despite the ice pick remaining in her chest. She was subsequently moved to the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, added Indiape.
The suspect may face charges depending on the victim’s medical outcome. Initially, the authorities are considering filing a case under Republic Act 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
The police have learned from the suspect’s relatives that he is allegedly suffering from a mental illness.
