DAVAO CITY — A 72-year-old man was killed after he was repeatedly stabbed by his grandson inside their home at Purok 11, Sitio Camella, Barangay 9-A, San Rafael, Davao City, at around 5:00 a.m. on December 1, 2025.
Police identified the victim as Jose Lorejo Fortaleza, while the suspect was named as Jomar Cuela, 27, who has a documented history of mental health issues and had been admitted multiple times to a mental hospital in Bajada.
According to the initial investigation of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), the incident unfolded when Christine, 21, the victim’s granddaughter, heard loud noises and cries for help coming from her grandfather’s room. She immediately went downstairs to check and was shocked to see her older brother, Jomar, emerging from their grandfather’s room holding two knives—one of which was bloodied.
Fearing for her safety, Christine rushed outside to call for help from neighbors and barangay tanods. Responding residents managed to negotiate with Jomar, who eventually released the knives and was restrained until authorities arrived.
Police took the suspect into custody while emergency responders from Central 911 rushed the victim to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC). However, physicians declared Fortaleza dead on arrival due to multiple stab wounds.
Authorities are now conducting further investigation into the incident, including the suspect’s mental health background and the possible motive behind the attack.
The community of Barangay 9-A remains in shock as police assure residents of heightened monitoring, especially in households with members previously treated for psychiatric conditions.