A drunken farmer’s rampage at a wake in Sitio Tamangan, Brgy. Balete, Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya left one person dead and another injured.
Police Chief Pmaj. Len Gomultim identified the fatality as Ariel, who sustained a fatal head injury, and the injured victim as Mario, 32, who was slashed in the neck.
The suspect, identified as Alberto, 44, is a farmer and resident of the same barangay.
Investigations revealed that the suspect went to the wake to ask for coffee but left angrily after being ignored.
He returned with a bolo and attacked the victims, who were reportedly intoxicated and asleep during the incident.
Residents at the wake tried to intervene, but the suspect fled and hid in a nearby house.
This is the first recorded incident of its kind in Brgy. Balete, and the suspect had no prior records in the community.
Police suspect mental health issues contributed to the attack, as the suspect lives in isolation in the mountains and reportedly exhibits signs of confusion.
The Kayapa Police Station advised the public to secure bladed and deadly weapons during gatherings to prevent similar incidents.
They also urged vigilance when dealing with individuals showing unusual behavior to ensure public safety.