PIAT, Cagayan welcome arch. (Wikipedia)
PIAT, Cagayan – A 75-year-old man was killed and seven were injured by a 27-year-old man in a bolo attack in Barangay Minanga here on Friday, May 1.
Police identified the suspect as Michael, single, of Barangay Lipatan, Santo Niño, Cagayan.
Police Capt. Bernard Guya, Piat police chief, said victims were attending a wake when the suspect armed with a bolo appeared and went on a stabbing spree for no apparent reason.
Guya said the suspect had a history of mental health issues and was treated in a mental institution. However, the suspect reportedly stopped attending follow-up checkups and discontinued his maintenance medication.
The suspect was arrested shortly after the incident and detained at the police station. The injured were taken to hospitals where the 75-year-old victim died.
Guya said charges were filed against the suspect on Monday. The suspect’s family has apologized and said they were unable to control him.
Police urged people to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information online on the incident to prevent unnecessary panic.
The victims and their families, who do not personally know the suspect, are seeking justice for the attack.