TUKURAN, Zamboanga del Sur — A shocking attack left an 82-year-old man hospitalized after his tongue was severed while he slept in his home in Purok Talisay, Barangay Militar, Tukuran.
The victim, identified as Rogelio Chavez, was reportedly attacked in the early hours of Monday, November 24, 2025. His son, Virgil Chavez, recounted that his father was peacefully sleeping when the incident occurred. Virgil woke up around 3:00 a.m. and noticed his father restless, but it was only by 4:20 a.m. that he discovered the severity of the attack.
Virgil said he found his father lying on the floor with his tongue cut off, while the alleged attacker, identified as Alias Kimkim from Purok Malinawon, Barangay Militar, was still inside the house holding the weapon used in the assault.
According to Virgil, the suspect reportedly has a history of mental health issues. Despite the tense situation, he attempted to calm the suspect to prevent further harm. Around 5:00 a.m., the suspect reportedly threatened to further mutilate the victim, resulting in a brief struggle that lasted approximately 10 minutes. Virgil ultimately managed to wrest the bladed weapon away from Kimkim.
Authorities were called, and the weapon was surrendered to police. Rogelio Chavez was initially brought to the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center for treatment but was later transferred to Margosatubig Regional Hospital for surgery to repair his tongue.
Virgil noted that the families of both the victim and the suspect have since reconciled and have committed to assisting in the victim’s medical care, with Barangay officials mediating the agreement.
This incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting concerns over safety and mental health support in the area. Local authorities have assured the public that the case is under investigation.