A night of drinking turned deadly in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan when a 21-year-old construction worker was stabbed multiple times by a drinking companion.

The victim, Roy Habala, Jr., a resident of Barangay Tuliao, sustained four stab wounds: two in the chest, one in the arm, and another in the back.

He was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.

According to the police investigation, Habala and his friends were drinking when the suspect, John Carlo Caballero, 32, arrived with a companion.

Since the suspect knew someone in the group, they joined the gathering.

At one point, Habala reportedly asked Caballero’s companion to remove his hat so they could see his face. This angered Caballero allegedly, leading to a heated argument.

“‘Yun ‘yung sanhi ng heated altercation nila and then nagsuntukan itong dalawa,” PLTCOL. Michael Datuin, chief of Sta. Barbara Police Station, said.

The fight escalated, and Caballero pulled out a knife, stabbing Habala. The victim tried to run, but the suspect chased and attacked him again.

Caballero later surrendered to the police and admitted to the crime, though he refused to give a statement to the media.

Habala’s family is devastated, especially his pregnant partner, who is expecting their first child.

“Ang gusto kong mangyari makulong siya para mapagbayaran niya ang ginawa niya,” Emily Habala, the victim’s mother, said.

“Sana makamit ng asawa ko ‘yung hustisya. Sobrang sakit po ‘yung ginawa sa asawa ko,” Angelyn Villafania, the victim’s partner, added.

Authorities have already filed charges against Caballero.