Twin hackings injure 2 in Bukidnon

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — What began as casual weekend drinking sessions spiraled into a bloody Saturday in Bukidnon after two separate altercations—one over a P50 cigarette debt and another during a fiesta revelry—ended in vicious incidents that left two men hospitalized.

Col. Oliver Navales, commander of the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office, said in his report to Police Regional Office-10 (PRO-10) Director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano that the twin July 25 incidents were both fueled by intoxication.

The first incident transpired at 2:30 p.m. in Purok 3, Barangay Mabuhay, Valencia City. Lt. Col. Bryan Panganiban, Valencia City police station chief, said the 54-year-old victim and the 44-year-old suspect were drinking when a heated argument erupted. The argument started after the victim allegedly asked the suspect to pay P50 for cigarettes.

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The confrontation escalated when the suspect grabbed a long-handled scythe and repeatedly hacked the victim, inflicting serious injuries to his neck and left hand. Responding Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) Cluster 1 personnel immediately arrested the suspect and turned him over to the Valencia CPS. The victim is currently under observation at the Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center in Malaybalay City.

Later, at 5:30 p.m., a second hacking happened in Sitio Kauswagan, Barangay San Luis, Malitbog, Bukidnon, during the area’s annual fiesta celebration.

Maj. Dino Cuevas, Malitbog municipal police station (MPS) chief, said a 31-year-old man and a 32-year-old suspect were drinking with several others when an alcohol-induced fistfight broke out. The suspect allegedly drew a bolo and hacked the victim’s left leg.

The victim is now in stable condition at the Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Malitbog, Cuevas said, adding that the suspect fled toward a nearby mountainous area.

“Our personnel are currently pursuing the suspect,” Cuevas said. /mcm