Man injured after wife fights back with bolo in Miagao

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A 68-year-old man was injured after his wife fought back when he struck her during a domestic dispute early morning on March 22 in Barangay Kirayan Tacas, Miagao, Iloilo.

Alias Patricio, a farmer, sustained multiple injuries on different parts of his body.

Police reports said that 52-year-old Ana had just arrived from her workplace at Barangay Narat-an, Miagao when Patricio accosted her.

Patricio allegedly confronted Ana, resulting in a heated argument between them.

Maj. Richard Lao, Miagao police chief, explained that Ana served as the family’s main breadwinner.

Owing to their significant age gap, Patricio usually gets jealous, which often sparked fights between them.

“That’s why, Ana tried to avoid staying home when her husband is around,” Lao said.

He added there were also reports of Patricio physically assaulting the woman when he was drunk.

During Sunday’s confrontation, Patricio grabbed a branch of ipil-ipil and struck Ana several times.

Ana then grabbed the victim’s bolo tucked at his waist and hacked him several times.

A bolo is a large, single-edged cutting tool commonly used in rural Philippines for farming, clearing vegetation, and other agricultural tasks. It is a standard implement found in most farming households.

Patricio was hit on both legs and his left arm.

Members of the Miagao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office brought the victim to Miagao First Aid Clinic for medical intervention. He was later referred to Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City.

The suspect voluntarily surrendered to responding Miagao police personnel.

Under Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, physical violence committed by a husband or partner against a woman is a criminal offense. The law provides protective measures for victims, including the issuance of protection orders, and carries penalties ranging from one month to 12 years of imprisonment depending on the severity of the act.

Lao said they have yet to ask Patricio if he will file criminal charges against his wife.