MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — A 19-year-old college student remains under medical observation after he was allegedly stabbed multiple times by his own childhood friend during a drinking session held as part of a village fiesta celebration in Purok 7, Barangay Kalasungay, Malaybalay City, in the early hours of Saturday, August 1.
The victim, identified only as Angelo, a 19-year-old first-year college student, sustained multiple stab wounds and is currently confined at Bethel Hospital in Barangay Sumpong, where he continues to receive treatment.
The suspect was identified as Jerald, 18, also a first-year college student and a resident of the same barangay. Authorities said the two had been close friends since childhood.
According to the investigation conducted by the Malaybalay City Police Station, the incident stemmed from a drinking session held Friday evening, July 31, at the residence of a certain “Rod,” where the suspect, victim, neighbors, and friends gathered to celebrate the barangay fiesta.
Police said that at around 3:30 a.m. on August 1, the two friends became involved in a heated argument that quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. During the altercation, the suspect allegedly pulled out a knife tucked into his waist and repeatedly stabbed the victim.
The victim suffered multiple stab wounds to the abdomen, waist, chest, back, and left arm, resulting in serious injuries that required immediate hospitalization.
Despite the violent encounter, authorities said the suspect later informed both his own father and the victim’s family about what had happened. Acting on the information, the victim’s relatives rushed him to Bethel Hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Following the incident, personnel of the Barangay Public Safety Office (BPSO) of Kalasungay took the suspect into custody and turned him over to the Malaybalay City Police Station for proper legal proceedings.
Investigators said the suspect is expected to face frustrated homicide charges.
Initial findings indicate that the stabbing was triggered by a misunderstanding fueled by alcohol consumption during the late-night gathering.
The incident highlights the dangers of alcohol-related disputes, particularly during festive celebrations, where minor disagreements can quickly escalate into deadly violence. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident as they prepare the appropriate criminal charges against the suspect.