MARANAG, BUKIDNON — At least four men and a minor were injured in a violent stabbing incident that erupted during a heated confrontation late Saturday night, November 30, in Purok 1, South Poblacion.
Police said they received a report from a concerned citizen around 11:30 p.m., prompting an immediate response. However, when officers arrived, the victims had already been taken to different hospitals, leaving behind pools of blood at the crime scene.
Two Groups, One Deadly Clash
Initial investigation revealed that around 11:20 p.m., a group led by alias Dagul, of legal age, was drinking outside a sari-sari store when another group led by alias Melvin, 48, arrived. A heated argument quickly escalated into a physical altercation, resulting in a stabbing spree between the two groups.
Authorities said alias Dagul sustained stab wounds to the chest and lip and is now under observation at BPH Maramag. Another man from his group, also stabbed, is confined at Laveña Hospital.
From Melvin’s group, he himself suffered a stab wound to the head and is likewise confined at BPH Maramag. Another companion, a man of legal age, sustained five stab wounds to the back and is also under medical care.
A minor female also became caught in the chaos after allegedly being punched in the chest by a member of Melvin’s group. She is now being treated at BPH Maramag.
One Suspect Found Near Scene, Armed With Knives
Police also brought to BPH Maramag a certain alias Jerico, a companion of Melvin, who was found about 25 meters from the crime scene with stab wounds. Officers recovered two five-inch knives from his possession and noted visible bloodstains on his shorts.
Probe Ongoing
Authorities are still determining who initiated the attack and who should be held liable, as both groups suffered injuries and conflicting accounts have surfaced.
Police appealed to witnesses to come forward to help establish the full sequence of events and ensure accountability.
Investigations remain ongoing.