GENERAL SANTOS CITY — A 50-year-old caregiver died after he was allegedly attacked with an axe by the person he was caring for in Purok 1, Barangay Buayan, General Santos City, in the early hours of Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
The victim, identified only as alias “Frank,” was reportedly sleeping outside a house that was still under construction when he was attacked at around 2:30 a.m.
Police identified the alleged attacker as alias “Hanni,” also 50, a male resident of the same area and a relative of the victim. Authorities said Hanni was being cared for by Frank and was reportedly suffering from a mental or psychological disability.
According to Police Lt. Romel Guhiling, deputy chief of Police Station 3 (Lagao Police Station), authorities received a report about the incident from the suspect’s nephew. Responding police officers immediately proceeded to the area, where they found the victim seriously injured and covered in blood.
Initial police findings indicated that Frank had been asleep outside the unfinished house when Hanni allegedly attacked him several times with an axe, striking him in the head.
The repeated blows reportedly caused severe head injuries, leaving the victim in critical condition.
Frank was immediately transported by ambulance to Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital for emergency medical treatment. Despite efforts to save his life, however, he succumbed to his injuries at around 3:40 a.m.
Police said the victim and suspect were related and had been living in the same area. Investigators also confirmed that Frank had been serving as the caregiver of Hanni, who was reportedly known to have a mental or psychological disorder.
The suspect was taken into police custody following the incident and remains at Police Station 3 as investigators continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Authorities have yet to determine what prompted the assault. Police said the investigation remains ongoing, including efforts to establish the events immediately preceding the attack and the relationship between the victim and suspect.
Police have also not disclosed whether formal charges have already been filed, noting that the investigation is still underway.
The incident has raised concerns among residents regarding the challenges faced by families and caregivers looking after persons with mental or psychological disabilities, particularly when behavioral episodes may pose risks to the individual or people around them.
Authorities, however, have yet to establish whether the suspect’s reported condition directly contributed to the fatal attack. The circumstances and any possible motive remain subject to the ongoing police investigation.