General Santos City — Police have arrested a 32-year-old man following a hot pursuit operation after a violent attack that left a Philippine Marine injured in Barangay Calumpang in the early hours of December 25.
The suspect, identified only by the alias Jovel, a resident of Purok Von Ryan, Calumpang, is now detained at Makar Police Station. He is facing charges of frustrated murder.
The victim, alias John, 26, and an active member of the Philippine Marine Corps assigned in Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte, sustained stab wounds to his back and was rushed to a medical facility for treatment.
Initial police reports indicated that around 2:00 a.m., the victim was walking along the road in Purok Von Ryan when a tricycle carrying two suspects—identified as alias Negro and Bem-bem—sped past him. The Marine reportedly reprimanded the duo for reckless driving.
Instead of complying, the suspects allegedly confronted the victim, leading to a violent fistfight. A relative of the Marine attempted to intervene but was also attacked.
The altercation intensified when additional suspects—alias Jay-ar and Jovel—arrived and joined in the assault. Authorities said the three attackers, Bem-bem, Jay-ar, and Jovel, stabbed the victim and forcibly took his issued caliber .45 service firearm strapped to his back.
The group fled the scene, but law enforcers intercepted and arrested Jovel during a follow-up operation. Police continue to hunt down the remaining suspects who are still at large.
Authorities assured the public that operations are underway to bring the other perpetrators to justice.