Four hurt in Panitan fiesta stabbing

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Four people were wounded in a stabbing incident in Sitio Pinuagan, Barangay Tincupon, Panitan, Capiz, early Thursday morning, May 21, 2026.

Police identified the victims as alias Reymil, 20, a construction worker; alias Pila, 27, a parlor assistant; alias Ryan, 30, a parlor worker; and alias Romnick, 35, a laborer.

The suspects were identified as brothers alias Joefry and alias Jessie, both of legal age and residents of the area.

An investigation by the Panitan Municipal Police Station showed that the incident happened around 12:30 a.m. while residents were attending a dance hall event during the village fiesta.

Police said tension started after alias Joefry and alias Reymil had a heated exchange that later turned physical.

Police said alias Jessie, Joefry’s older brother, allegedly had a knife tucked into his waist and stabbed Reymil in the stomach after seeing the altercation.

The three other victims, identified as Pila, Ryan, and Romnick, tried to pacify the two but were also stabbed by the suspect.

Police arrested alias Joefry, while alias Jessie, the alleged principal suspect, fled.

The victims were brought to the nearest hospital for treatment.

Police are looking at misunderstanding as the possible motive, adding that those involved were allegedly under the influence of liquor.

A hot pursuit operation was launched against alias Jessie, while the investigation is ongoing.