DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur — A 39-year-old pedicab driver was killed after he was repeatedly stabbed by a fellow driver following a heated argument along Roxas Extension, Barangay Zone 3, Digos City, shortly after noon on Friday, July 10.
The victim was identified by police as Romeo Alferez Alforque, a married resident of Purok 7, Barangay San Agustin, Digos City. He sustained multiple stab wounds that ultimately claimed his life despite efforts to save him.
The suspect, identified as Arnold Bustamante Silvano, 54, also married and a pedicab driver from Purok Bariles, Barangay Dawis, voluntarily surrendered to authorities after the incident and is now under police custody.
Heated Argument Turns Deadly
According to the initial investigation conducted by the Digos City Police Station, the fatal encounter stemmed from a dispute between the two drivers while they were along Roxas Extension.
Police said the confrontation escalated when Silvano allegedly retrieved a knife from his pedicab and repeatedly stabbed Alforque. The victim sustained two stab wounds to the chest and another wound on the left side of his abdomen.
Personnel from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) immediately rushed Alforque to the Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital for emergency treatment. However, attending physicians declared him dead upon arrival due to the severity of his injuries.
Following the attack, Silvano voluntarily surrendered to the Digos City Police Station, where he remains detained while criminal charges are being prepared against him.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal stabbing, including the exact motive behind the altercation.
A Father’s Life Cut Short
Beyond the police investigation, Alforque’s death has deeply touched the local community after details of his life as a hardworking father emerged on social media.
According to posts shared by his former partner, although they were no longer together, Romeo remained a devoted and responsible father who single-handedly worked as a pedicab driver to support and educate their two daughters.
For years, he endured long hours navigating the streets of Digos City through scorching heat, heavy rains, and dusty roads to provide for his children. While the children’s mother also extended financial assistance, Romeo reportedly carried much of the responsibility of raising them.
His story has resonated with many residents who described him as one of countless ordinary workers striving to earn an honest living despite difficult conditions.
Friends and community members expressed grief that a life dedicated to supporting his family ended over what appeared to be a road-related dispute between fellow drivers.
Public Outrage
The incident has sparked widespread outrage online, with many condemning the violence and emphasizing that no misunderstanding or argument could ever justify taking another person’s life—particularly between individuals sharing the same livelihood.
Photos circulating on social media showing Alforque proudly posing with his daughters have further amplified public sympathy for the bereaved family.
Family Appeals for Privacy
As the case gained widespread attention, a family member appealed for compassion and respect during their time of mourning.
In a Facebook post, Shie Alforque, who identified herself as the victim’s niece, urged the public to stop repeatedly sharing posts and images of her uncle.
“Good day. Pwede po sana huwag na mag-post tungkol sa aking tiyuhin. Sobrang masakit na po sa amin na halos siya na lang ang nakikita namin sa social media. Tama na po, please. Respeto lang po.”
The family likewise appealed to the public to refrain from posting hurtful comments and online attacks, saying such actions only deepen their grief as they mourn the loss of their loved one.
Police are continuing their investigation while appropriate homicide charges are expected to be filed against the suspect. Meanwhile, the tragedy serves as another stark reminder of how moments of uncontrolled anger can have irreversible and devastating consequences for families left behind.