Man stabbed to death by cousin in Batangas

A man was stabbed to death by his own cousin during a drunken argument in Malvar, Batangas, according to Paul Hernandez’s report on GMA Regional TV “Balitang Southern Tagalog.”

Identified as Reynante Sapasa, the victim sustained multiple stab wounds at the side of his body after he was allegedly attacked by suspect Jeffrey dela Cruz.

Sapasa was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Investigation showed Sapasa and dela Cruz—who were working at the same farm—were drinking with at least three other individuals when a heated argument them ensued.

The suspect allegedly got provoked due to the victim’s constant mocking and beating.

“More or less siguro mga lima sila na nag-iinuman sa mismong area. Ordinary days lang kasi Sunday kaya nagtipon-tipon sila noong gabing yun,” Malvar Police Station chief Police Major Jonathan Amutan said.

(There are more or less five people there at the gathering. It was an ordinary day. It was a Sunday so they went out to drink.)

“Itong ating victim ay laging binu-bully ang mga kasamahan niya sa trabaho. Hindi lang mismo ‘yung ating suspek kundi halos karamihan don sa mga empleyado ay kaniyang pinagtitripan. Napag-abutan itong suspect kaya nagkaroon ng heated argument,” he added.

(The victim constantly bullies his colleagues at work. Not only the suspect but almost everyone. The suspect was just the center of his mockery so a heated argument ensued.)

Dela Cruz is now under police custody and is facing charges of murder. He expressed regret over the incident but explained he was only protecting himself.

“Nagsisisi na po ako at para sa akin, nilaban ko lang sarili ko. Sa takot po. Humihingi po ako ng patawad. Kasi kung ano, ako ang mapapatay niya,” he said.

(I am regretful but for me, I was just protecting myself. I was scared. I also apologize for what happened. But if I didn’t, he may have killed me.)

GMA News reached out to the victim’s family for their comment. —Sundy Locus/NB, GMA News