CLAVER, Surigao del Norte — A member of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) was stabbed during a confrontation late Tuesday night in Purok 7, Barangay Taganito, authorities said.
According to the Claver Municipal Police Station, the incident occurred at around 10:25 p.m. The victim, a 33-year-old married barangay tanod and resident of the area, was reportedly watching a billiard game when a dispute broke out with a 47-year-old married man who works as a driver of a “bao-bao” motorcycle taxi. Both individuals are residents of Barangay Taganito.
Initial police investigation revealed that the victim allegedly displayed aggressive behavior while in the area, prompting the suspect to ask him to leave. The situation escalated into a heated confrontation that eventually turned into a physical altercation.
During the scuffle, the suspect reportedly grabbed a screwdriver and stabbed the victim twice under the arm, causing injuries that led the victim to collapse at the scene.
At about 11:30 p.m., the victim was able to contact the police, prompting responding officers from the Claver Municipal Police Station to rush to the area. Upon arrival, authorities found the injured barangay tanod receiving first aid from medical personnel at the Taganito Health Center while investigators began gathering details about the attack.
Following the initial investigation, police immediately launched a hot pursuit operation that led to the arrest of the suspect at his residence later that night.
The victim was reported to be in stable condition after receiving treatment, while the suspect is currently under police custody pending proper disposition of the case.
Police Captain Bassel Monteroso said both parties have reportedly reached an amicable settlement despite the violent incident. Authorities, however, continue to process the case in accordance with existing laws and procedures.