Suspect in Iloilo roadside stabbing identified as student

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Police have identified the man accused of fatally stabbing a bouncer following an altercation at a pop-up food stall in City Proper, Iloilo City, on July 26.

Captain Michael Tuburan, chief of Iloilo City Police Station 7, identified the suspect only by his alias, Lemuel, 21, a resident of Barangay Lapuz Norte, Lapuz, Iloilo City.

Police earlier released a composite sketch of Lemuel, described as a scholar and incoming fourth-year college student at a university in the city, along with a companion named Mae from Barangay Boulevard, Molo.

Mae and another companion, alias Ken, appeared at ICPS 7 on the morning of July 31.

Tuburan said they are no longer considered suspects and are now tagged as witnesses.

Lemuel had previously gained public attention for rescuing a dog that fell into a river.

However, Tuburan revealed that in May, Lemuel was also implicated in a stabbing incident at a drinking spot in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao.

Ken, Lemuel’s brother, confirmed that Lemuel called him and admitted to stabbing someone at a cafeteria in Barangay San Felix, City Proper.

Lemuel said the altercation started after the victim, alias Delfin, 25, a bouncer from San Felix, allegedly made a pass at his female companion.

He then threw a bowl of arroz caldo at Delfin before stabbing him.

Lemuel claimed he did not expect the stab wound to be fatal.

After the incident, Lemuel fled the scene on his motorcycle, while Delfin managed to run to Iloilo Doctors’ Hospital, located just across the street from the cafeteria.

Delfin later died from his injuries.

Tuburan said Lemuel’s companions left the scene about two minutes after the stabbing.

They even paid for the arroz caldo they ordered before casually walking away from the area.

As of this report, Lemuel has reportedly expressed a willingness to voluntarily surrender.