Man stabs, hacks family of four

By Jennifer P. Rendon

An elderly woman and her three sons suffered non-life-threatening wounds after they were attacked by a relative morning of April 17, 2022 in an upland village in Jamindan, Capiz.

Police identified the victims as Llanela Villeza, 73; and her sons Ruel Villeza, 50; Roger Villeza, 47; and Richard Villeza, 46. All are residents of Sitio Agsasalong, Barangay Lucero, a village some 16 kilometers from the town proper.

Staff Sergeant Jerson Vigo, Jamindan police investigator, said the incident happened 9 a.m. Sunday but was only reported at 11:45 a.m.

Police immediately conducted a hot pursuit operation and arrested 46-year-old Rico Villeza at his house in Lucero village around 1 p.m. of the same day.

The three brothers and Rico are second cousins.

The three victims and the suspect were drinking liquor at Llanela’s house before the incident.

Villeza claimed that he went back after buying liquor from a store when he saw the three brothers fighting.

He added that he tried to pacify the fight but the three did not heed him. He allegedly got irked and attacked them with a knife and bolo.

Llanela tried to pacify but Rico also stabbed her on the elbow.

But Ruel and Roger claimed that Rico immediately attacked them after arriving at their mother’s house.

“It appeared that the incident was triggered by drunkenness,” Vigo said.

The victims were rushed to Mambusao District Hospital for treatment.

Ruel and Roger were immediately discharged after getting treated.

Richard is about to be discharged either Monday or Tuesday while their mother is still confined to recuperate.

Vigo said the suspect’s sister is in talks with the victims’ camp to settle the case.