A 26-year-old laborer was stabbed dead by his brother-in-law in Brgy. Salong, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, early Saturday morning, August 2.
The victim, Lloyd Bryan Roca, died from multiple stab wounds inflicted by his brother-in-law, Antonio Apatan, 33, inside their home in Purok Riverside, Sitio San Jose, the police reported.
Lt. Col. Roberto Indiape Jr., Kabankalan Police Chief, said that the two were reportedly engaged in a heated argument around 2 a.m. when the suspect, in a fit of anger, grabbed an 11-inch kitchen knife and repeatedly stabbed the victim.
Apatan later surrendered to Barangay Councilor Francisco Siplao and his tanods, who turned him over to the Kabankalan City Police Station at around 4:50 a.m., bringing with them the recovered weapon used in the attack.
The victim was rushed to the Lorenzo D. Zayco District Hospital but was declared dead by the attending physician.
Indiape said that murder charges are being prepared as the victim’s family intend to file a case against the suspect.
The police believe that the stabbing may have been fueled not just by the argument but possibly by a deeper unresolved family issue.
“This is a tragic reminder that emotions should never get the better of us,” Indiape said, adding “There are many ways to resolve misunderstandings without resorting to violence. We urge the public to choose peace over anger.”
The suspect is currently in police custody, awaiting the filing of formal charges.*