Man stabbed to death in Iloilo City; village councilor tagged as suspect

A man died after being stabbed in Barangay Santa Filomina in Arevalo District, Iloilo City, with a barangay councilor now being identified as the suspect in the killing.

According to a report by Jonathan Andal on "24 Oras Weekend," CCTV footage showed the victim, wearing a yellow shirt, arguing while collecting water containers. Moments later, he was seen running as someone chased him.

However, the report said it was not evident from the footage that the man had already been stabbed by a barangay councilor.

Another man, allegedly a companion of the suspect, was also seen holding the victim during the incident.

A witness said the altercation escalated before the stabbing occurred.

“They were arguing before he ran toward the front of the table. That’s when he was stabbed. The knife was small, just this long,” the witness said.

The victim was declared dead on arrival at a hospital due to stab wounds in the armpit and shoulder.

According to the victim’s live-in partner, he had worked for several years as a collector in a lending business owned by the suspect. She said he resigned two years ago but had since been repeatedly harassed.

She added that the victim had been planning to file a case against the suspect.

“They cannot be forgiven. What he did was not right. Even when my partner asked for help, he did not stop. He killed him,” she said.

Authorities are looking into a possible motive linked to a dispute over the lending business, although investigations are ongoing.

Police are also determining whether the barangay councilor may face murder charges. The barangay captain has reportedly expressed willingness to help in locating and surrendering the suspect.

"We still do not have the exact details on how it happened, but allegedly, the suspect rebuked the victim," said Police Capt. Michael Tuburan, chief of the Iloilo City Police Station 6.

Meanwhile, in Midsayap, Cotabato, a security guard was also killed after being shot in the head on Wednesday night.

Initial investigations showed the victim was on his way home when he was ambushed and shot by armed men.

The victim’s family has called for justice, while authorities continue to identify the suspects, who remain at large.—MCG, GMA News