SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — A 46-year-old solo parent died after allegedly being repeatedly punched by two fourth-year college students in a mauling incident in Barangay II, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, prompting police to arrest both suspects on October 8.
The victim, identified as alias “Marciano,” a resident of Barangay Tagapua in San Francisco, was rushed to DOP Memorial Hospital in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, after sustaining serious injuries during the alleged assault. However, he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Another victim, identified as alias “Jobert,” 22, was also injured in the incident.
According to the San Francisco Municipal Police Station (MPS), the incident occurred at around 2:40 a.m. in Purok 4, Barangay II, when the two suspects allegedly attacked the victims and repeatedly punched them, leaving Marciano with injuries that proved fatal.
Two College Students Arrested
Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13) Director PBGen Rolindo M. Suguilon identified the suspects as alias “Rommel,” 25, a resident of Purok 1, Binucayan, Loreto, Agusan del Sur, and alias “Nomer,” 23, a resident of Purok 2, Barangay Dacutan, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.
Both suspects are reportedly fourth-year college students taking up criminology.
Following the incident, personnel of the San Francisco MPS immediately launched a hot pursuit operation that resulted in the arrest of both suspects. Authorities said the two are currently detained at the San Francisco MPS while facing the appropriate criminal proceedings.
The exact locations and times of their arrests were not specified in the information provided by the police.
Alcohol Allegedly Involved
Initial police information indicated that the suspects and the victims were allegedly under the influence of intoxicating liquor when the incident occurred.
Authorities have yet to provide further details about what triggered the confrontation or the circumstances that led to the alleged assault. The reported involvement of alcohol remains part of the initial information and does not, by itself, establish the motive for the attack.
Murder Charge to Be Filed
The two suspects are set to face a murder charge under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code, according to PRO13.
Police have not disclosed further details about the evidence gathered or whether additional charges may be considered in connection with the injuries sustained by the surviving victim.
PBGen Suguilon commended the personnel of the San Francisco MPS for their swift response and the immediate arrest of the suspects. He also extended the police regional office’s condolences to Marciano’s bereaved family.
“Rest assured that justice will be served,” Suguilon said.
The case underscores the deadly consequences of violent confrontations and the importance of allowing investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident through evidence and proper legal proceedings.
The suspects remain entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty by a competent court.