Dipolog City — What began as an ordinary late-night drinking session turned into one of the most brutal crimes in recent memory, after a 26-year-old man beheaded his drinking companion who allegedly kept mocking him about his recent separation from his wife.
The victim, Roel Cabanlit, 44, of Purok Bularan, Surf, Barangay Miputak, died instantly after being hacked several times and later decapitated by the suspect, Nelson Rones, 26, a resident of Purok Pag-asa, Barangay Barra.
According to Police Major Evelyn Poras, Deputy Chief of the Dipolog City Police Station, the two men had been drinking from around 10 p.m. until past 1 a.m. outside the victim’s residence. As they became heavily intoxicated, an argument broke out.
Investigators revealed that Cabanlit repeatedly teased Rones for being “broken-hearted” after reportedly fighting with and separating from his live-in partner just days before. The suspect told authorities that he had asked Cabanlit multiple times to stop the bullying, but the taunts allegedly continued.
Unable to contain his anger, Rones allegedly grabbed a bolo and attacked. Cabanlit tried to defend himself, sustaining deep cuts on his hands—one of his fingers was even severed—but he eventually fell to the ground due to drunkenness.
Police said Rones then carried out the gruesome act of slicing the victim’s neck until it was fully severed.
Neighbors rushed out after hearing Cabanlit cry for help, but by the time they returned with others, the victim was already dead and his head separated from his body.
Instead of fleeing, Rones reportedly waited beside the lifeless body and surrendered to responding police officers. He now faces charges of murder and is detained at the Dipolog City Police Station.
A STRONG REMINDER: BULLYING IS NOT A JOKE — ESPECIALLY WHEN SOMEONE IS VULNERABLE
Authorities stressed that while the crime is inexcusable, the incident casts a harsh light on a deeper cultural issue: bullying disguised as “jokes,” especially during drinking sessions.
Many Filipinos normalize teasing someone about personal failures—breakups, financial problems, or family issues—without realizing the emotional damage it inflicts. When the person being mocked is already emotionally unstable, the consequences can be catastrophic.
This tragedy shows that:
- Words can wound as deeply as weapons.
- Emotional bullying is real, even among adults.
- Alcohol lowers inhibitions and magnifies anger.
- Not everyone can take a “joke.”
The horrifying incident in Dipolog City is a sobering reminder:
Bullying is not entertainment. It is not harmless. It can destroy lives.
Authorities urge the public to practice empathy, avoid cruel teasing, and recognize the emotional state of those around them—before another life is senselessly lost.