• THERESA MAE DULMAN
A 34-year-old disconnection personnel from Negros Power, identified only as ‘JR,’ was injured after being attacked with a baseball bat by a resident in Barangay 16 on Wednesday, February 18.
According to the police report, the victim was in the middle of performing electrical disconnections when he was approached by the suspect, a 23-year-old identified as ‘Tim.’
The suspect reportedly asked the victim if he recognized him before following him across the street and suddenly striking him in the upper abdomen with a baseball bat.
Investigations suggest the attack may have been a case of mistaken identity or ‘tripping,’ as there was no prior argument between the two men.
The suspect’s mother mentioned that her son previously had a conflict with a personnel from CENECO (the previous utility firm that entered into a joint venture agreement with Negros Power), which may have triggered the unprovoked assault.
Barangay personnel immediately responded to the scene and turned the suspect over to the police.
While the victim is determined to file a physical injuries case, Legada noted that because the doctor estimated the healing period to be less than one week, the case might be referred to the barangay level for mediation.
The suspect remains in custody at Police Station 1.*
