A heated argument between two construction workers in Bugallon, Pangasinan ended in tragedy after one of them was stabbed to death.

The suspect, a 41-year-old man, was arrested by police following the incident in Barangay Bolaoen.

The victim, a 52-year-old man from Antipolo City, Rizal, was rushed to the hospital but did not survive the stab wound in the chest.

According to police, the fight began over a missing item, which led to suspicion and confrontation. They were reportedly both drunk at that time.

“Accordingly, itong suspek natin ay may nawawala na gamit. Nauwi sa pagsita o paghinala sa ating biktima. Noong itong victim natin at itong mga testigo natin ay balak klarohin itong pagbibintang sa nawawalang gamit nitong suspek, doon nag-ugat ang matinding altercation ng dalawa,” PMaj. Arnold Soriano, officer-in-charge of Bugallon Police Station, said.

Authorities recovered from the crime scene the knife used in the attack. The suspect, now facing a homicide charge, claimed he acted in self-defense and regretted what happened.

“Pumunta po sila sa baraks ko, kinuyog po ako doon, tatlo sila. Pinag-gugulpi po ako nila. Lasing rin po sila. Nakainom din po ako. Nag-gagayak ako ng lulutuin ko sa baraks ko, hawak ko yung kutsilyo, bigla nila ako sinuntok. Hindi ko naman sinasadya, naisaksak yung kutsilyo,” Vir Viernes, the suspect, said.

Police said alcohol played a big role in the misunderstanding that led to the incident.