Woman ‘killed’ over stolen tomatoes

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Police arrested a 16-year-old boy yesterday, a day after he allegedly killed a woman inside her house in Barangay Quezon, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental last Saturday.

The victim was identified as Amostiola Cabognason, 43.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Jesus Mesahon Jr., city police chief, said the victim was lying inside their house with her two grandsons aged 2 and 4, when the minor-suspect arrived.

A commotion then ensued between them when the victim and the suspect grappled with a bolo.

The suspect allegedly stabbed and hacked the victim, then fled.

Mesahon said the victim was declared dead in a hospital, while the suspect was arrested in a hot pursuit operation at his grandmother’s house in Barangay Bulwangan.

The suspect, who is a senior high school student, was summoned by the barangay last week after the victim filed a complaint against him for allegedly stealing some of her tomatoes.

Mesahon said the suspect alleged that he returned to the victim’s house last Saturday to again steal some tomatoes, but he was surprised to see the victim inside the house.

The suspect also alleged that the victim hit him first, and then took a bolo that led to a commotion when they grappled with the weapon, he added.

The suspect, who also suffered minor injuries, told the police that he was mad at the victim but he had no intention to kill her, Mesahon said.

Mesahon said the bladed weapon used was recovered by police in a creek after the suspect told them where he threw it.

The suspect will be turned over to the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and will be charged for murder when he reaches 18 years old.

Mesahon said the suspect asked forgiveness from the victim’s family.