BUTUAN CITY — Police arrested a 34-year-old laborer shortly after a stabbing incident involving a 60-year-old market vendor at the Butuan Public Market in Purok 8, Taboan, Barangay 17 Port Poyohon, on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
The suspect, identified by police as alias “Nic,” a resident of Barangay Golden Ribbon, was taken into custody by personnel of the Butuan City Police Station 2 (BCPS2) following the reported attack. He was subsequently brought to the police station for investigation and the filing of appropriate charges.
According to the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO), the incident was reported to BCPS2 through a telephone call from a concerned citizen at approximately 11:28 a.m. Upon receiving the report, duty mobile patrollers and investigators immediately proceeded to the area under the direction of Police Major Fritzcel V. Cubillan, station commander of BCPS2.
Police: Victim was attacked without apparent provocation
Initial police investigation indicated that the victim, identified as alias “Ana,” 60, was at her residence when the suspect allegedly appeared and attacked her.
Police said the suspect allegedly drew a knife from his waist and stabbed the victim in the left upper shoulder and back. The initial report stated that the attack occurred without any apparent provocation or prior conversation between the two.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged attack, including the identities of the individuals involved and the motive, remain subject to further investigation.
The victim was immediately transported to the Butuan Medical Center for medical treatment and was reported to be in stable condition.
Meanwhile, responding police officers were able to apprehend the suspect at the scene, preventing him from leaving the area, according to the BCPO.
Prompt community report aided police response
The BCPO credited the quick arrest in part to the immediate report made by a concerned citizen.
Police said the prompt call allowed responding personnel to reach the location within minutes and take action before the suspect could escape. The incident also highlighted the importance of immediate community reporting during emergencies, particularly in crowded public areas such as markets.
The BCPO expressed appreciation to the citizen who alerted authorities and said the police force remains focused on maintaining security in public markets and other areas frequented by residents.
The suspect remains in police custody while authorities proceed with the investigation and the preparation of appropriate criminal charges.
Police have not released further details regarding the alleged motive for the stabbing. The identities used in this report are aliases, consistent with the information provided in the police report.
Authorities are expected to establish the complete circumstances of the incident as the investigation continues.