A man identified as the husband of a police officer was injured after being stabbed during a violent incident in Purok 4, Barangay Centrala, Surallah, South Cotabato on Thursday noon, authorities said.
The victim was identified as Ryan Dela Cruz, a resident of the area and reportedly the spouse of an active police officer assigned in the province. He sustained injuries after being attacked by a suspect known only by the alias “Eboy.”
Initial reports from witnesses and responding authorities indicated that the confrontation erupted at around midday, causing panic among residents in the community. Dela Cruz was allegedly assaulted and stabbed by the suspect during the incident.
Police personnel from the Surallah Municipal Police Station immediately responded after receiving reports of the attack. However, during the operation, the suspect allegedly resisted the responding officers, prompting the police to fire at him.
The suspect sustained gunshot wounds and was subdued by authorities at the scene.
Both Dela Cruz and the wounded suspect were rushed to a nearby hospital for immediate medical treatment. Their current conditions have not yet been officially disclosed by authorities as of posting time.
Investigators are still determining the motive behind the attack, including whether personal conflict or other factors triggered the violence. Authorities are also conducting a full investigation to establish the sequence of events that led to the stabbing and the subsequent shooting involving responding police officers.
The Surallah Municipal Police Station assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway and that appropriate charges will be filed against the suspect once the investigation is completed.