Barangay worker wounded for allegedly not releasing cash aid to typhoon Odette victim in Negros city


BACOLOD CITY - A barangay health worker (BHW) was wounded after she was stabbed by a man who failed to receive cash assistance in Barangay Mambaroto, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental on Friday.

Police identified the victim as Elsa Claridad, 51, of Barangay Mambaroto.

PMSgt. Robert Castro of Sipalay City Police Station who was handling the case, said that Claridad was on her way home when the suspect identified as Pablito Morales Jr., 24, of the same village, waited for her to pass by the area in Crossing Marabo.

Castro said the suspect allegedly attacked Claridad with a screwdriver.

Claridad suffered multiple stab wounds and was rushed to a hospital here, where she is now under stable condition, according to Castro.

Morales, a tricycle driver, was immediately arrested by the police.

Castro said that Morales was triggered to commit such violence after his family, a victim of typhoon Odette and whose house was also damaged during the super typhoon in December 2021, failed to get cash assistance amounting to P5,000.

Castro said that according to Morales, Claridad was delaying the release of the cash assistance to his family by requiring some documents.

Morales told the police that his father just recently died and that they failed to prepare the necessary documents.

Castro said that Morales will be charged with frustrated murder.