A 50-year-old farmer was killed in another stabbing incident involving alcohol, this time in Sitio Dug-an, Barangay Cambayobo, Calatrava, Negros Occidental, on Thursday night, July 31.
The victim, identified as Jose Edialito Solitas, died after he was allegedly stabbed multiple times by Ryan Sultan, who is now at large.
Both men were reportedly drinking at the home of Solitas’ brother before an altercation took place.
Lt. Dwight Fajardo, Calatrava Deputy Police Chief, said Solitas, his brother Reneboy, and the suspect had just finished dinner when they began drinking.
During the session, an altercation broke out between Solitas and Sultan.
The two stepped outside where the argument escalated into a fight.
Sultan then stabbed Solitas repeatedly and fled, the police said.
Solitas was rushed to the Calatrava Municipal Hospital where he was declared dead.
Fajardo said the two may have had an old grudge that was reignited during the drinking session.
The police are now conducting a pursuit operation and are urging the suspect to surrender peacefully.
The Solitas’ family will cooperate with the police to press charges. Sultan will likely face a homicide case, Fajardo said.
The police are also appealing to the public to drink moderately and to think of their families before letting emotions take over in situations like this.
Anyone who may have information on Sultan’s whereabouts is encouraged to report to the Calatrava Police Station, the police added.*