Davao City – July 6, 2025 — A heated argument over road etiquette turned violent on Sunday night, resulting in the stabbing of a taxi driver and the arrest of a habal-habal driver in Matina Crossing, Davao City.
According to Talomo Police Station 3, the incident stemmed from an earlier altercation near a convenience store in Matina Aplaya. The suspect, identified as Rante Delmar, 42, a resident of Purok 2, Mohon, Barangay Langub, allegedly became enraged after the taxi driver insulted him for passing through a designated bike lane.
Witnesses claimed that the taxi driver, identified only as alias “Rondo”, 22, a resident of Barangay Bago Oshiro, Mintal, Davao City, reportedly called Delmar “b*go” (a derogatory term for “stupid”) and hurled other offensive words, triggering the suspect’s anger.
The confrontation escalated when both parties met again at Matina Crossing, where Delmar allegedly opened the door of the taxi, dragged the driver out, and stabbed him in the abdomen using a half scissor blade.
The victim sustained a stab wound but remained conscious, alert, and responsive when brought to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Police launched a hot pursuit operation shortly after the attack and successfully arrested the suspect. Authorities also recovered the black-red Honda XRM motorcycle used by Delmar, along with the weapon left at the crime scene.
Delmar is now under the custody of Talomo Police Station 3 and will be facing charges of frustrated homicide.
Police reminded the public to remain calm during road disputes and to avoid resorting to violence, especially in densely populated urban areas.