Construction worker killed in stabbing after drag race fight

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – A 32-year-old construction worker was stabbed to death following a misunderstanding in Barangay San Isidro, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, on Sunday.

Police identified the victim only as “Joel,” a resident of the same barangay.

Police Maj. Eric Doronilla, chief of the E.B. Magalona Municipal Police Station, said Joel and the suspect, “Mark,” also 32 and a resident of Barangay Consing, got into an altercation after a motorcycle drag race.

The confrontation, reportedly fueled by a personal grudge, escalated into a fight that ended with the suspect allegedly stabbing the victim.

Doronilla said the suspect initially fled but was later turned over to police by his parents during a hot pursuit operation.

The suspect claimed he acted in defense of a companion whom he believed had been stabbed by the victim.

Authorities are awaiting the testimony of a witness to determine what exactly transpired.

Murder charges are being prepared against the suspect.

Meanwhile, a 36-year-old man was injured after being shot by a police officer when he resisted arrest during a separate stabbing incident in Barangay 3, San Carlos City, also on Sunday.

According to the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), the suspect forcibly entered a residence and allegedly stabbed 21-year-old “Jomenel” in the back.

The victim’s mother, who tried to intervene, was injured in the hand.

She immediately called for police assistance.

When officers arrived, they saw the suspect armed with two knives.

While attempting to de-escalate the situation, the suspect suddenly became aggressive and attacked one of the officers.

In defense and to neutralize the threat, the officer shot the suspect in the left knee.

The suspect was arrested and brought to San Carlos City Hospital.

He will be charged with frustrated murder and direct assault on a person in authority.

As part of standard procedure, PRO-NIR spokesperson Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong said an impartial investigation is underway to determine whether responding officers followed proper protocol.

In a statement, PRO-NIR Director Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay emphasized the agency’s commitment to transparency and due process.

“Any lapses in judgment or deviations from protocol will be addressed accordingly,” he said.

Ibay also reiterated his standing directive for all personnel, especially tactical responders, to wear bulletproof vests and other protective equipment.

“Situations like these remind us of the unpredictable nature of law enforcement duties,” he said.

“We must protect our men and women in uniform.”

He stressed that wearing protective gear is not just protocol, but a life-saving measure.

The regional police office assured the public of a fair, transparent, and thorough investigation, and urged continued community cooperation in maintaining peace and safety across the region.