Man stabbed to death in San Dionisio

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A 44-year-old man was stabbed to death in a knife attack shortly before midnight Feb. 12 in Barangay San Nicolas, San Dionisio, Iloilo.

Police identified the victim as “Robert,” married and a resident of Barangay Aldeguer in the town of Sara.

Police said Robert had been drinking with a friend, Jeffrey, 33, of Sitio San Jose in Barangay Apologista, Sara, at the house of a woman identified only as Princess in Barangay San Nicolas.

After the drinking session, the two went to the barangay hall where a community dance was being held.

While they waited for a beauty pageant to start, police said Robert told Jeffrey to stay outside the hall.

A man identified as Rodrigo, 43, of Barangay Aldeguer, Sara, then arrived on a motorcycle with his girlfriend, Cheche, 34, and parked near Jeffrey, police said.

Witnesses told police a commotion broke out among Jeffrey, Robert and Rodrigo.

Police said Rodrigo stabbed Robert three times.

A barangay tanod rushed Robert to Sara District Hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival.

Responding police briefly held Jeffrey for further investigation, police said.

Rodrigo fled and remained at large as of Friday, police said.

Capt. Ma. Rosela Buenvenida, the San Dionisio police chief, said investigators were considering a crime of passion as a possible motive.

Cheche told investigators she broke up with Robert last year, police said.

Police said that could have fueled the conflict between Robert and Rodrigo.

A manhunt was launched for Rodrigo’s arrest, and police urged witnesses to coordinate with the San Dionisio police station as the investigation continues.