It was a cruel death.
That was how the police described the killing of a teacher who was found lifeless with about 16 stab wounds on his body on a street in Brgy. San Pedro, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, early Wednesday morning, August. 16.
Tony Lazaga, 51, a teacher at the Binalbagan Catholic College was found dead by a tricycle driver along Dumas Street.
PCapt. Glen Portunes, Binalbagan deputy police chief, told DIGICAST NEGROS that there was cruelty involved because the victim sustained 16 stab wounds.
The victim’s phone was missing and they are looking at a holdup as one of the motives for the killing, Portunes said.
Lazaga is a resident of Brgy. 35, Bacolod City, and was temporarily residing in Brgy. San Pedro.
The victim had come from a birthday celebration in Bacolod and could have been followed by his assailant when he arrived in Binalbagan and was headed towards his boarding house, Portunes said.
He was declared dead at the Binalbagan Infirmary.
Recovered from the victim were two bags containing a laptop and personal belongings.
Two kitchen knives, one stained with blood, a slipper, and a damaged folding umbrella were also found at the scene of the crime. The police said.
ARRESTED
One of three suspects in the killing of Lazaga was arrested by the Binalbagan police.
PMaj. Randy Babor, Binalbagan cop chief, said Johnrey Castino, 19, was arrested and they already have the names of the two other suspects.
The arrested suspect said they only intended to stage a holdup when they saw the teacher get off the bus in Binalbagan, but he fought back and shouted, which led to the stabbing, Babor added.
Castino allegedly was the one who took the cellular phone of the teacher. The police are continuing to search for the two other suspects.
JUSTICE SOUGHT
The Supreme Student Government (SSG) of the Binalbagan Catholic College, is calling for justice for Lazaga.
SSG president Rey Jay Mosquera said the death of Lazaga is massive loss to all.
“His excellence and extraordinary professional skills as well as his dynamic persona were a lot to cherish”, Mosquera said.
“The student body mourns this dark moment in the community. We condemn in the highest sense the inhumane and brutal killing of Sir Lazaga,” he added.
Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol also condemned the killing of Lazaga.
Binalbagan Catholic College faculty and students grieve for teacher Tony Lazaga who was brutally slain Wednesday morning.*The Patrician photos
“Like everyone else, we are searching for answers and trying to understand why and how this happened and what caused it to reach this point. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the family, relatives and beloved friends of the deceased,” he said in a statement posted on Facebook.
Mirasol said he is urging the police to fast track the investigation into the death of Lazaga and to strengthen the security in the area.
“I am asking the cooperation from the community, if ever you have leads to this case please inform the authorities right away,” Mirasol said.
“Rest assured that the LGU will be hands on in this matter. I am hopeful that justice will prevail and that we will have answers soon,” he added.
OBSERVE CURFEW
He called on Binalbaganons, especially students and minors, to refrain from going out of their houses at night until the wee hours.
“Observe the ongoing curfew. Be vigilant and mindful of the places you are going to and never go to a place alone. Let us all please be safe,“ Mirasol said.*