By Jennifer P. Rendon
Two minors were killed following separate scuffles evening of May 15, 2022 in the provinces of Capiz and Iloilo.
The victims were identified as Renzo (real name withheld), 17, a resident of Barangay Cabugao Norte, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, and an alias Jojo, 16, of Mambusao, Capiz.
Police arrested four persons, all teenagers, who were allegedly behind Renzo’s killing.
They were identified as Janjan (not his real name), 16, and Bryan Jayson Ruina, 18, both residents of Purok III, Pavia, Iloilo; Kenken, 16, of Barangay Amparo, Pavia; and Jastin Jaen, 19, of Barangay Cabugao Norte, Sta. Barbara.
The local police received a call of a stabbing incident at Cabugao Norte village shortly before midnight Sunday.
Police responded and immediately arrested the four suspects.
According to reports, Renzo was with some friends on his way to the barangay plaza when they accidentally bumped into the other group.
The victim allegedly confronted Janjan about a past misunderstanding
Reports claimed that Renzo ran after Janjan to retaliate which led to a commotion between the two groups.
But Janjan quickly pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim.
Renzo scampered home with the knife still embedded on his chest.
Wounded and already weak, the victim shouted for help while claiming that Janjan attacked him.
The victim was taken to Western Visayas Sanitarium at Sta. Barbara town. He was later transferred to Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City but was declared dead at 1:45 a.m. of May 16.
Meanwhile, Jojo died after two adult men took turns in mauling him.
The suspects were identified as John Andro Miguel Iringan, 20, a student, and Albert Vito Laberos, 31, both residents of Barangay Atiplo, Mambusao, Capiz.
The three were on their way home after a drinking spree at a birthday party when the incident happened.
Laberos allegedly acted unruly and began shouting, “Sin-o maisog da? Guwa! (Who’s the fearless one? Get out)”
Jojo admonished and punched Laberos on the chest.
Iringan also scolded his two companions and subsequently punched Jojo on the mouth.
When the victim fell, both Laberos and Iringan manhandled him until he lost consciousness.
Jojo was taken to Mambusao District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
