CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A habal-habal driver died after being allegedly stabbed by his neighbor following a heated dispute over transportation fare in Zone 2, Lower Sitio San Miguel, Barangay Bulua, on Monday night.
The victim was identified as Roldan Panilag, a habal-habal driver, who succumbed to multiple stab wounds sustained during the incident, according to police reports.
Initial investigation revealed that the altercation stemmed from a long-standing personal conflict that resurfaced over what witnesses described as unpaid or improperly settled fare. Authorities said the suspect, identified as Noel, a neighbor and relative of the victim, allegedly attacked Panilag while the latter was resting at a barangay outpost after consuming alcohol.
Previous altercation resurfaces
Family members of the victim disclosed that the two men had a history of misunderstanding, including a previous physical confrontation where Panilag allegedly punched the suspect. Although the issue was reportedly settled at the time, tensions appear to have resurfaced in recent days.
A relative also claimed that the suspect had been repeatedly failing to pay proper fare for habal-habal rides, which may have contributed to renewed friction between them.
Witnesses recall chilling scene
Several residents reported hearing distressing cries from the area shortly before the victim was discovered.
According to witnesses, they heard shouts such as “Ayaw Kol!” and “Aguy Kol!” coming from the direction of the street entrance. When they checked, they found Panilag lying on the ground, already bleeding heavily and unresponsive.
Residents immediately alerted authorities, but the victim was declared dead at the scene due to multiple stab wounds.
Suspect seen fleeing, later identified
Witness accounts further revealed that a relative of the victim encountered the suspect shortly after the incident. The suspect was reportedly seen freshly bathed and unusually clean, even noted for having a strong perfume scent despite allegedly coming from a drinking session.
Another witness claimed that the suspect was seen changing clothes, with a green or turquoise shirt later found bearing blood stains, believed to have been used to clean himself after the attack.
There were also claims that a minor may have witnessed parts of the incident, which authorities are now validating as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police pursuit leads to arrest
Following the gathering of testimonies, law enforcement officers immediately launched an operation and tracked down the suspect at his residence. He was subsequently arrested without incident.
The suspect is now detained at the Maharlika Detention Cell, while charges are being prepared for filing in court.
Investigation ongoing
Authorities stressed that the case remains under investigation as they continue to verify statements from witnesses and gather additional evidence to establish the full circumstances surrounding the killing.
Police also confirmed that the victim sustained multiple injuries, which led to his immediate death at the crime scene.
Officials are urging the public to remain calm as due process is observed, while assuring that justice will be pursued for the victim.