Laborer charged for wife’s death in Kabankalan

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Parricide charges have been filed against a 46-year-old laborer who allegedly mauled his wife to death after an argument over water at their house in Barangay Orong, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, on Saturday.

The victim was identified as Mary Jane, 45.

Police Lt. Gilbert Alunan, deputy chief of the Kabankalan City Police Station, said the suspect, identified as Jorly, had just arrived home from a drinking session when he figured in an argument with his wife.

The suspect was supposed to get his things for work when he was reportedly confronted by his wife about his failure to fetch water.

Police said the suspect, who was intoxicated with coconut wine, got irked by his wife’s nagging and reportedly slapped her.

Afterward, he allegedly punched his wife in the stomach and stepped on her chest.

The victim then fell unconscious on the ground.

Alunan said the incident was witnessed by their 9-year-old son, one of the couple’s eight children.

The child called for assistance and reported the incident to the barangay.

The victim was taken to a hospital but was declared dead.

The suspect was brought to the police station by a barangay official.

Alunan said there were previous instances when the couple’s arguments escalated into physical violence, based on accounts from their children.

However, no official reports had been filed with the barangay or the police, he said.