DAVAO CITY — A 15-year-old boy with disability was fatally stabbed in the early hours of Thursday, April 30, in a brutal attack that shocked residents of Purok 7-A, Barangay 1-A, Poblacion District.
The victim, identified only by the alias “Rik-rik,” sustained a fatal stab wound to the abdomen, which led to his immediate death despite efforts to rush him to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).
Witness hears cries for help
According to a witness identified as alias “Jojo,” he was awakened by sounds of groaning and a faint cry outside his residence past midnight. When he checked, he saw the teenage victim already lying on the ground, bleeding heavily.
Alarmed by the scene, the witness immediately alerted the victim’s father, who rushed his son to the hospital. However, doctors later declared the boy dead on arrival.
CCTV footage leads to suspect identification
A review of barangay CCTV footage proved crucial in identifying the suspect. Barangay officials, including Kagawad Edmund Autencio, confirmed that the suspect was captured on camera moments before and after the attack.
The suspect was identified as a 55-year-old resident of the same barangay, known by the alias “Ali.”
Footage allegedly showed the suspect leaving his residence and approaching the victim before repeatedly stabbing him, according to initial police findings.
Arrest and recovery of evidence
Police, in coordination with barangay officials, immediately launched an operation and arrested the suspect at around 2:00 a.m. on the same day at his residence.
Authorities, however, failed to recover the weapon used in the attack after the suspect reportedly threw it into a nearby river prior to his arrest.
The suspect is currently detained and is set to face charges of murder.
Investigation continues
The Davao City Police Office said that investigations are ongoing to determine the full motive behind the killing, which has raised alarm in the community due to the victim’s age and vulnerability as a person with disability.
Officials have not yet disclosed whether the attack was premeditated or if there had been prior conflict between the suspect and the victim.
Residents in the area are now calling for stronger community security measures following the incident, which has left many shaken and grieving the loss of a young life.