One dead, one hurt in Pavia stabbing over ‘hiwit’ remark

By Jennifer P. Rendon

ILOILO CITY — A construction worker was killed and another was wounded after a 17-year-old co-worker allegedly stabbed them as they slept Sunday afternoon, Aug. 30, in Pavia, Iloilo.

Police said the attack may have been triggered by a joke about hiwit, a local term for sorcery.

The stabbing occurred around 5:20 p.m. inside an apartment building under construction in Barangay Ungka 2.

Police identified the victims as “Popoy” and Nestor, construction workers and residents of Antique province.

Police Maj. Bonifacio Alabe Jr., the Pavia police chief, said the attack was discovered after the wounded Nestor ran outside and called for help.

Police identified the alleged attacker only as “Olot,” 17, and his purported accomplice as “Delfin.”

Both suspects are residents of Lambunao, Iloilo.

Police said the victims and the two suspects began drinking around 9 a.m. Sunday.

The drinking session ended around 2 p.m., after which Popoy and Nestor returned to their quarters to sleep.

About three hours later, Olot allegedly entered the room armed with a knife and repeatedly stabbed the sleeping workers.

Popoy suffered at least four stab wounds, including fatal injuries to his chest and back.

Nestor suffered two stab wounds to his head.

Nestor was taken to Western Visayas Medical Center, where he remained hospitalized.

Police said Olot fled after the attack and boarded a waiting motorcycle allegedly driven by Delfin.

Although Delfin did not participate in the stabbing, Alabe alleged that he knew about Olot’s plan and helped him escape.

Delfin voluntarily surrendered to police at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31.

Olot remained at large as of Monday.

Investigators said Olot had harbored resentment toward Popoy and Nestor after a conversation about his father’s medical condition.

Alabe said Olot’s father was hospitalized with cancer.

During the conversation, Nestor allegedly joked that the illness was caused by hiwit.

Police alleged that the remark angered Olot and prompted him to plan an attack against both workers.

Investigators said the four men had no known dispute before the incident.

Olot’s identity was withheld under confidentiality protections for children alleged to have committed an offense.