MALITA, Davao Occidental — A 30-year-old father of five was killed after he was hacked by his former neighbor in Sitio Mamacao, Barangay Buhangin, on Thursday evening, April 24, 2025.
The victim was identified as Joven Guban, a resident of Sitio Udalo in the same barangay. The suspect, Johnny Bacuna, is also a resident of the area.
Initial reports from the victim’s family stated that Guban was on his way home after buying fish and was riding his motorcycle when Bacuna ambushed and attacked him. The victim sustained severe injuries, with his neck nearly severed, leading to his immediate death.
The two had an ongoing dispute after Guban confronted Bacuna for allowing his goat to graze on Guban’s cornfield. Although Bacuna reportedly apologized and suggested finding another place for his goat to graze, tensions remained high. They were supposed to face the barangay authorities on Thursday, April 25, to resolve the issue, but the incident occurred a day earlier.
After initially attempting to flee, Bacuna surrendered to authorities later that evening. He is now detained at the Malita Municipal Police Station and will face murder charges.
Guban leaves behind his five children, aged one to ten years old.