The police have arrested the suspect in the fatal stabbing of a construction worker during a drag race in Brgy. San Isidro, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, on Sunday, July 27.
Maj. Eric Doronilla, E.B. Magalona Police Chief, confirmed the arrest of Mark Anthony Salapar, 32, of Hacienda Gliceria, Barangay Consing, on Monday, a day after the stabbing occurred.
The victim was identified as Joel Taob Jr., 32, a construction worker and resident of Riverside, Barangay San Isidro.
Initial investigation revealed that an altercation broke out between the suspect and the victim, along with others, during a drag race.
The confrontation escalated into a physical assault and ultimately, the fatal stabbing of Taob.
The victim was rushed to the Abelardo Remedios Bantug Hospital in Victorias City where he was declared dead.
Doronilla said that based on witness accounts and initial findings, Salapar may face homicide charges.
He was apprehended after briefly evading authorities following the incident.
The police said that a follow-up investigation is ongoing to determine if other individuals involved in the altercation will also face charges.*