Barangay kagawad, companion hunted over fatal stabbing

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A village official and his companion remained at large after they allegedly ganged up on a water delivery worker on the afternoon of May 7 in Arevalo, Iloilo City.

Police identified the suspects only as Melvin, a barangay kagawad of Sta. Filomena, Arevalo, and his friend Mark.

The incident happened around 2 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Sta. Filomena while the victim, Robert, 27, of Barangay Sto. Domingo, Arevalo, was on duty.

Police Capt. Michael Tuburan, chief of the Iloilo City Police Station 6, said Melvin saw Robert as the victim was delivering gallons of water to a neighbor.

Melvin immediately shouted, “Tinagaan mo pa obra, kawatan ka pa.”

The statement was caught on closed-circuit television camera footage.

But Robert did not let it pass.

He challenged Melvin to appear before the barangay lupon and present his evidence.

It was gathered that the victim used to work as a collector in the suspect’s lending business.

As Robert was carrying empty gallons to his vehicle, witnesses claimed they saw Melvin attack him with a knife.

Mark allegedly held the victim’s arms while Melvin stabbed him.

Tuburan said the victim had at least two visible injuries — one near his armpit and another on his right shoulder.

But he did not discount the possibility that Robert sustained more injuries.

Robert was rushed to Iloilo Doctors’ Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

The two suspects immediately fled on board a motorcycle.

Tuburan said police have not received any surrender feelers from the suspects’ camp.