Carpenter stabs, hacks to death neighbor

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A carpenter voluntarily surrendered after allegedly killing his neighbor in Tubungan, Iloilo shortly last August 2, 2023.

George Tacan, 49, of Barangay Lanag Norte, Tubungan, was still reeling from intoxication when he was turned in to the Tubungan Municipal Police Station around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Tacan slept until late morning inside the jail, seemingly oblivious to the accusations that he allegedly murdered his drinking buddy, 29-year-old Patrick Casquite.

According to reports, Tacan and Casquite went on a drinking spree at the latter’s house, also in Lanag Norte, a hinterland village around 10 kilometers from the town proper.

As the two had one too many, they had a heated argument.

At the height of their verbal tussle, Casquite allegedly called Tacan “gago” or stupid.

The suspect immediately left the area but came back with a 20-inch ginunting or a type of long blade.

He then stabbed Casquite in the chest and hacked him on different parts of his body.

Tacan immediately fled after the incident.

Captain Rodel Ojano, Tubungan police chief, said they were informed about the incident around 1:35 a.m.

Members of the Tubungan Responders Emergency Action Team were called in to give medical assistance.

Casquite was taken to the Rural Health Unit but was declared dead on arrival.

A murder case is now being prepared against Tacan.