Nephew surrenders after uncle hacked to death in Escalante

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — A 25-year-old man allegedly hacked his 64-year-old uncle to death Sunday in Barangay Mabini, Escalante City, Negros Occidental, following a dispute over the victim’s alleged harassment of relatives, police said.

Police identified the victim only as “Benjo” and the suspect as “Jethro.”

The two lived a short distance apart in the village.

Police said the attack occurred around 8:30 p.m. in Hacienda Fuentes.

Police Chief Master Sgt. Rodel Betic, chief investigator of the Escalante City Police Station, said Benjo had left a drinking session and was walking home when Jethro allegedly attacked him with a cane cutter.

Betic said the suspect may have seized the opportunity to retaliate against his uncle over personal grudges.

Benjo died from multiple hack wounds, according to police.

Jethro voluntarily surrendered to a barangay official and was turned over to responding police officers.

He was taken to Vicente Gustilo District Hospital for a physical examination before being placed in police custody.

Police recovered the alleged weapon, a cane cutter measuring about 16 inches from tip to handle.

Betic said the suspect may have been angered by the victim’s alleged habit of harassing relatives whenever he was intoxicated.

He said the family initially agreed not to file charges against the suspect, citing the victim’s behavior when intoxicated.

Police said the investigation was continuing and officers were preparing the appropriate charge.