KIBAWE, Bukidnon — A 51-year-old man narrowly escaped death after being hacked on the head by his brother-in-law in a violent attack late Thursday night, February 13, 2026, in Purok 3, Barangay Sampaguita, Kibawe.
Police identified the victim as “Fredo,” a resident of the area, while the suspect was named “Loloy,” his brother-in-law, who is of legal age and remains at large.
According to the investigation conducted by the Philippine National Police in Kibawe, the incident occurred shortly after 9:00 p.m. while the victim was inside his home.
Authorities said the suspect, who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time, was heard shouting outside the victim’s residence. Alarmed by the commotion, Fredo went out to check on the disturbance, unaware that his brother-in-law was carrying a bladed weapon believed to be a machete or sundang.
Without warning, the suspect allegedly attacked the victim, striking him on the head. The sudden assault left Fredo seriously injured and bleeding.
After the attack, the suspect immediately fled the scene and escaped in an unknown direction, prompting a manhunt by local authorities.
Neighbors and relatives rushed the victim to a nearby hospital, where he received immediate medical treatment. Police said Fredo is now in stable condition and is recovering from his injuries.
In his statement to investigators, the victim disclosed that the suspect had a history of aggressive behavior, particularly when intoxicated. He claimed that his brother-in-law would often provoke him and instigate arguments whenever he was drunk.
“This was not the first time he acted violently,” the victim reportedly told police. “Whenever he drinks too much, he becomes hostile and looks for trouble.”
Police are now pursuing charges of frustrated homicide and illegal possession of a bladed weapon against the suspect, pending further investigation.
Authorities have intensified their search operations and are appealing to the public for information that may lead to the suspect’s arrest.
“We urge the suspect to surrender peacefully and face the charges,” the Kibawe police said in a statement. “We also ask the community to cooperate and report any information regarding his whereabouts.”
The incident has raised renewed concerns over alcohol-related violence in rural communities, prompting local officials to call for stronger community interventions and stricter enforcement of public safety measures.
Police assured residents that patrols and monitoring will be increased in the area to prevent similar incidents and ensure public safety.