A late-night drinking session among friends turned deadly in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan after a confrontation escalated into a stabbing incident that left one man dead.

Police said the incident happened at around 10 p.m. on January 24, 2026 in Barangay Nancamaliran West, where a group of friends had gathered at the victim’s house to drink. Tension rose reportedly after one of the victim’s friends allegedly took his girlfriend’s cellphone and used it to message a man the victim was jealous of, asking him to meet.

Authorities said the group later went to the location agreed upon. The victim reportedly had a bladed weapon with him but his friend’s girlfriend took it away.

When the man who was the subject of jealousy arrived with companions, the victim allegedly rushed toward them, triggering a physical fight.

PLt. Richard Matias, operations officer of the Urdaneta City Police Station, said the confrontation escalated quickly.

“Nagkaroon po ng habulan hanggang nagkaroon ng tama sa kaniyang katawan at doon itinakbo sa ospital hanggang sa idineklara siyang dead on arrival,” Matias said.

The victim sustained a stab wound to the chest and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, police said.

Based on a witness account, authorities identified a suspect who is now facing a homicide charge.

“Base sa statement ng isang witness, may nakita siyang sumasaksak [sa biktima] na nakasuhan ngayon ng homicide,” Matias said.

Police recovered a piece of wood believed to have been used in the stabbing at the crime scene.

GMA Regional TV News is still seeking comment from the victim’s family and other individuals involved in the case.