By Nino Luces
LIGAO CITY, Albay - Two residents were wounded, while eight others were arrested by the police, after a drinking session turned into a stabbing incident in Ligao City, Albay on Tuesday night.
P/Captain Dexter Panganiban, Albay Police Provincial Office (PPO) spokesperson, said Anthony Borero Bonagua, 20 and Kenneth Marasigan Merelo, 25, were brought to hospital after they were stabbed by a suspect identified as Francis Gamboa Ando, 18. They were all residents of Brgy. Layon, Ligao City.
Initial investigation disclosed that, while the victims were having a drinking spree along with seven other residents at the riverside of Barangay Layon, the suspect approached the group, and challenged Merelo to a fight.
"It was found out that the duo had a previous grudge. They fought but the suspect took a gaff from inside his pocket and used it to stab Kenneth Marasigan Merelo on his cheek,” Panganiban said.
Bonagua tried to help his friend, but was also stabbed by Ando in the arm.
The suspect then fled towards the grassy portion of Purok-2 of Barangay Layon.
Panganiban said that the victims’ drinking buddies identified as Manuel Quinalayo Laurden, 24; Rey Pelnis Pobocan, 22; Diether Quinalayo Bautista, 25; Marlon Pelnis Pobocan, 25; and Mark Odoño Quintan, 33, were also arrested and placed under custody of Ligao City Police Station (CPS) for violation of the liquor ban; while the 2 minors were referred to the duty WCPD personnel for the same violation.