MANKAYAN, Benguet – A 25-year old labourer is now confined in a Baguias-based hospital after he was struck on the head and stabbed by a 49-year old farmer while sleeping inside their residence at Payeo, Bedbed here Sunday.
Senior Florante Camuyot, officer-in-charge of the Benguet Provincial Police Office, identified the victim as Jowin Sabiano Dacap, 25, single, laborer, and a resident of Lamagan, Payeo, Bedbed, Mankayan, Benguet, while he named the suspect as was Berting Yap-Eo Liwan, 49, married, farmer, and a resident of Mabileg Payeo, Bedbed, Mankayan, Benguet.
Initial police investigation showed the victim and the suspect, together with their neighbors, were having a drinking session in celebration of the birthday of one of their neighbors when the victim’s father had a heated altercation with the suspect but cooler head were able to pacify them.
In order to avoid further conflict, the victim and his father decided to go home and that they decided to go to sleep.
However, while the victim was asleep inside his room, the suspect suddenly barged in the room, struck him with a hard object on his head and stabbed him several times before fleeing towards an undisclosed direction as the victim shouted for help from his neighbors.
His father and concerned citizens immediately rushed him to the Lutheran District Hospital in nearby Abatan, Buguias where he was confined for medical treatment and further observation.
Responding police operatives were able to arrest the suspect who tried to evade arrest and was brought to the Mankayan Municipal Police Station awaiting the filing of frustrated murder charges against him before the city prosecutor’s office.
By Dexter A. See