A heated confrontation allegedly triggered by the maltreatment of a child ended in a bloody stabbing incident in Barangay Dalumangcob, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte on Friday afternoon, May 15.
Authorities rushed the victim to the hospital after he sustained a severe head injury during the incident that occurred around 2:30 p.m.
According to a report from the Sultan Kudarat Municipal Police Station through Chief of Police P/Lt. Col. Esmael Madin, the victim was identified as 33-year-old Kahar Mantikayan, a married resident of Barangay Dalumangcob.
The suspect, identified as Tata Limba, 43, also married and working as a driver, was likewise a resident of the same barangay.
Initial police investigation revealed that the altercation stemmed from allegations that the victim had reportedly maltreated the suspect’s child, which sparked a heated argument between the two men.
Police said attempts were made to pacify the victim, but tensions escalated after he allegedly resisted and challenged the suspect to a fight, resulting in a commotion.
At the height of the confrontation, the suspect reportedly armed himself with a 10-inch bolo and confronted the victim, eventually striking him on the head and inflicting a serious wound.
Responding authorities immediately arrested the suspect following the incident. He was brought to the police station for proper documentation and disposition, while the victim was transported to a hospital for medical treatment.