MATALAM, Cotabato — A 19-year-old man was killed after being stabbed 18 times in a violent altercation allegedly triggered by a “bad stare” in Barangay Poblacion, Matalam, Cotabato on Monday night.
The victim was identified as John Paul Madio Iredonia, 19, a private employee and resident of Purok 4, Barangay Manubuan in the same municipality. He sustained multiple stab wounds to the chest and other parts of his body and was declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.
According to the Matalam Municipal Police Station, the incident occurred at around 7:55 p.m. in Purok Morning Glory, where the victim and the suspect reportedly crossed paths at a local store. Both were allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time.
Police identified the suspect as Jerry Amboc, 20, a construction worker. Initial investigation revealed that a brief exchange of stares between the two men—who were strangers and had no prior conflict—escalated into a heated confrontation.
Police Lieutenant Bonel Cabuyao, Deputy Chief of the Matalam PNP, said the suspect allegedly left the area to retrieve a kitchen knife from his residence before returning and repeatedly stabbing the victim.
Responding personnel from the Matalam PNP alert team and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) rushed the victim to the hospital, but medical authorities declared him dead on arrival.
Following the incident, Amboc voluntarily surrendered to police authorities. He is currently in police custody and is expected to face murder charges.
Police continue to remind the public of the dangers of alcohol-fueled confrontations and urge residents to exercise restraint to prevent similar tragedies.