TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — A 19-year-old man was stabbed to death for defending a group of young skaters from bullies in Barangay Bagay here before dawn on Wednesday, July 15.
Initial investigation said the victim Dodong intervened after a group of junior high school students skating in the area were allegedly harassed and taunted by six suspects.
It escalated into a confrontation where one of the suspects repeatedly stabbed the victim.
Police arrested four suspects and hunting the two remaining suspects, who, according to the victim’s family, are siblings.
The victim’s family is demanding justice, saying he died while protecting younger children from harm.
“They mercilessly killed my nephew simply because he stood up for the children,” a relative said.
The family appealed to the public for information that would help authorities locate the two remaining suspects. Police said follow-up operations and investigations are ongoing.
Security measures would be intensified to prevent similar incidents in the area, police said.
The Criminal Justice Student Council (CJSC) of the University of Cagayan Valley (UCV) mourned the victim’s death.
“The victim was a former Peace and Order Committee officer whose dedication to service and commitment to the organization would always be remembered.” The council condoled with the victim’s family and joined calls for truth, accountability, and justice.