PAGADIAN CITY — A 34-year-old farmer is fighting for his life after he was stabbed by a drinking companion during a birthday celebration in Barangay Lala, Pagadian City, on Saturday, December 20, 2025, police said.
The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital after sustaining a stab wound below the right abdomen, an injury authorities described as potentially fatal if not immediately treated.
Initial police investigation revealed that the victim and the suspect, a 51-year-old neighbor, were both attending a birthday celebration in their community and had been drinking together. Tensions allegedly flared when the two, already under the influence of alcohol, got into a heated argument after the suspect accused the victim of taking his money—an allegation the victim strongly denied.
The confrontation escalated when the suspect reportedly went home, returned armed with a knife, and stabbed the victim in full view of nearby residents. Concerned neighbors quickly intervened and brought the wounded man to the hospital for emergency treatment.
Police officers from the Pagadian City Police Station immediately responded to the incident, arrested the suspect, and recovered the knife believed to have been used in the stabbing.
The suspect is now under police custody and will face appropriate criminal charges as authorities continue their investigation. Police once again reminded the public of the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, noting that many violent incidents stem from drinking-related disputes, especially during social gatherings.