Tricycle Driver, Construction Worker Killed in Negros

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — A tricycle driver and a construction worker were killed in separate incidents in Negros Occidental on May 23.

In Himamaylan City, a 58-year-old tricycle driver identified as “Joelito” was allegedly stabbed to death by his neighbor in Mambato Proper, Barangay To-oy, late Friday night.

Police Lt. Col. Anthony Grande, chief of the Himamaylan City Police Station, said the victim was at home when his neighbor confronted him and accused him of throwing stones at his house.

A commotion followed, prompting the suspect’s father to intervene and pacify the altercation.

However, the suspect, identified as “Jun-Jun,” a laborer, allegedly returned and attacked the victim with a knife.

The victim suffered multiple stab wounds to the chest, neck and back.

Grande said the incident was witnessed by the victim’s daughter, who reported it to police early Saturday morning.

The suspect later surrendered with the help of barangay officials on Saturday night.

Grande said the conflict originally stemmed from a dispute between the victim and the suspect’s father, but at the time of the incident, the suspect was reportedly intoxicated.

Police recovered the murder weapon at the scene.

Murder charges will be filed through regular filing procedures due to incomplete documentation.

The suspect was released from police custody on Monday morning, May 26.

In Sipalay City, a 44-year-old construction worker identified as “Jether” was shot dead by an unidentified assailant in Sitio Calat-an, Barangay Cartagena.

According to police, the victim was working at a construction site when an unknown suspect approached him from behind and shot him four times in the back of the head, killing him instantly.

Recovered from the crime scene were three empty cartridge casings from an unidentified firearm.

Police have yet to determine the motive behind the shooting.