Friends brawl during Sinulog sa Kabankalan festivities

Two friends figured in a heated argument that escalated into a brawl during the Sinulog sa Kabankalan festival in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental last Sunday.

According to a report by GMA Regional TV’s Adrian Prietos on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, what was supposed to be a festive celebration turned tense along a portion of Rizal Street in Barangay 7.

The fight ended only after their companions intervened and pacified the situation.

The two individuals involved are both members of the LGBT community.

“He was the one who went to our table. My gay friends were just joking around, but his remark was already below the belt. He mocked me for being poor and for living in a small house,” said John Mark Palma.

Palma admitted that he also hit the other person with a bottle.

“I’m at a disadvantage. I’ve been unemployed for several days, and I still need to undergo a CT scan to check what happened to my head after he hit me,” he added.

Police said they were unable to respond to the incident as it was not reported at the time, the report said.

Meanwhile, the festival organizer expressed dismay over the incident.

“Refrain from those actions. Let’s just enjoy the celebration. Unfortunately, we can no longer do anything about what already happened," said Kabankalan Sinulog Foundation Inc. chairperson Rey Cordero.

"This serves as a reminder that emotions can flare when people are intoxicated,” he added.

GMA Regional TV has reached out to the other party for comment but it has yet to receive a response.

Despite the incident, Palma said he remains open to reconciling with his friend.—Vince Angelo Ferreras/MCG, GMA Integrated News