ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat — A 48-year-old tricycle driver who continued to work despite undergoing regular dialysis treatment for kidney disease was fatally stabbed by an unidentified assailant in Purok Kalinisan, Barangay Kenram, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, late Friday night, July 24.
The victim was identified by police as Rommel “Bong” Crodua, a married resident of Purok Pagkakaisa, Barangay Kenram.
According to the Isulan Municipal Police Station, authorities received a call from a concerned citizen at around 11:15 p.m. reporting a stabbing incident. Police officers, duty investigators, and rescue personnel from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Isulan immediately responded to the scene.
Initial investigation revealed that a witness was resting inside their house when they heard loud cries for help coming from outside. Upon checking, they found a man lying on the concrete road, covered in blood and suffering from an apparent stab wound.
The witness immediately alerted barangay officials and members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT), who rushed to the area before responding police officers arrived.
Crodua was immediately transported to the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital for emergency treatment. However, the attending physician declared him dead on arrival (DOA).
Medical findings showed that the victim died from hypovolemic shock caused by a penetrating stab wound to the left side of his chest, resulting in severe blood loss.
Police have yet to identify the suspect and determine the motive behind the attack.
The Isulan Municipal Police Station is conducting an extensive investigation, intelligence monitoring, and information-gathering operations to identify and locate the perpetrator. Authorities are also appealing to anyone with information that could help solve the case to come forward.
Family Mourns a Hardworking Father
The victim’s relatives and friends described Crodua as a kind, humble, and hardworking man who never allowed his illness to prevent him from providing for his family.
According to his family, Crodua had been undergoing regular dialysis treatments due to chronic kidney disease. Despite his deteriorating health and the physical toll of the treatments, he continued driving his tricycle every day to earn enough money to feed his family and pay for his medical expenses.
They said he endured long hours on the road even while battling his illness, determined to support his loved ones rather than become a burden to them.
His tragic death has left his family devastated, not only because they lost a beloved husband and provider, but also because he was taken in what they described as a senseless and merciless act of violence.
As the investigation continues, Crodua’s family is hoping that justice will be swiftly served and that the person responsible for his killing will be identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
Police assured the public that all possible leads are being pursued as efforts continue to bring the perpetrator to justice.