Carcar: Man on motorcycle killed by assailant hiding in bamboo grove

CEBU CITY, Philippines — A 45-year-old construction worker died after he was stabbed by a man who allegedly attacked him while he was riding a motorcycle in Carcar City, Cebu, on Thursday morning, August 6.

The suspect was arrested less than four hours after the incident in a hot pursuit operation and remained under police custody as of this writing.

Stabbed while riding a motorcycle

According to Carcar City Police Station, the stabbing happened at around 8:30 a.m. in Sitio Lower Tawog, Barangay Valladolid.

Initial police investigation showed that the victim, a resident of Barangay Valladolid, was driving his motorcycle with a companion when the suspect allegedly suddenly emerged from a nearby bamboo grove.

Police said the suspect took advantage of the victim’s unsuspecting condition and stabbed him once on the left side of his body near the armpit using a bladed weapon locally known as a “plamingko,” which is also described as a small bolo,

Authorities said the suspect then allegedly attempted to attack the victim’s companion with the same weapon, but the companion managed to evade the assault and immediately sought help from nearby residents.

The victim was assisted by relatives and concerned residents before being transported aboard a Chappy Cab to the Cebu Provincial Hospital–Carcar for emergency treatment.

However, the attending physician declared him dead on arrival.

Hot pursuit

Personnel from Carcar City Police Station responded to the scene at around 9 a.m., secured the area, conducted an initial investigation, and immediately launched a hot pursuit operation.

During the follow-up investigation, the victim’s companion positively identified the suspect as the assailant.

Acting on the information, police officers, accompanied by the eyewitness, tracked down the suspect.

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At around 11:50 a.m., authorities located him while he was riding a motorcycle in Sitio Pajo, Barangay Valladolid.

After the eyewitness again positively identified him, police arrested the suspect.

The suspect was informed of the reason for his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights before being taken to Carcar City Police Station for documentation and custodial investigation.

Police also took custody of the motorcycle he was using.

Murder weapon still missing

Authorities said a procedural search conducted after the arrest did not yield any bladed weapon, firearm, illegal drugs, or other prohibited items.

During custodial investigation, police said the suspect allegedly admitted discarding the “plamingko” after the incident but could no longer recall where he had thrown it.

Responding officers searched the areas identified by the suspect but had yet to recover the alleged murder weapon.

Meanwhile, investigators requested the assistance of the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO), who processed the crime scene and conducted forensic examination.

Charges being prepared

As of Friday, August 7, the suspect remains detained while police continue investigating the possible motive behind the killing.

Police said they were completing the documentary and evidentiary requirements for the filing of murder charges against the suspect over the victim’s death, as well as a separate attempted murder complaint in connection with the alleged attack on the eyewitness.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Arwen DS Nacional Chief of Carcar City Police Station said authorities would continue pursuing the case to ensure justice for the victim’s family.

“We assure the victim’s family and the public that we will pursue this case with utmost diligence and ensure that justice is served through the proper legal process,” Nacional said in a statement.

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