• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
A suspect in a stabbing incident turned into a victim of violece after he was gunned down by an unidentified assailant at Purok Mahogany, Barangay Oringao, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, at around 1:00 a.m. yesterday.
Initial investigation by Kabankalan Component City Police Station revealed that the stabbing victim, identified as the 28-year-old driver Glen Garol, and his friend, alias “Laurence,” were having a drinking session along the road beside the market when the suspect, identified as 33-year-old bus conductor Gary Ortega, passed by. Ortega allegedly confronted Garol, and a heated argument ensued between the two men.
During the commotion, Ortega, armed with a 13-inch kitchen knife, chased the victim. While running away, Garol accidentally fell and was stabbed by the suspect on the right shoulder.
The victim’s companion was able to seek help and subdue Ortega, causing him to lose consciousness and fall to the ground.
An unidentified male person then suddenly approached the suspect and shot him. Police said that they are still identifying the gunman.
The stabbing victim and his attacker were immediately brought to Lorenzo D. Zayco District Hospital for medical treatment. However, Ortega was declared dead upon arrival.
The police recovered from the crime scene a 13-inch kitchen knife with blood stains, allegedly used in the crime, one live ammunition, and a deformed fired caliber .45 bullet, which was used in gunning down Ortega.
Police said that the motive of the stabbing was a misunderstanding. However, authorities are still investigating the shooting incident.*
