A 22-year-old man died after he was stabbed multiple times during a heated argument at a house in Barangay Parayao, Binmaley, Pangasinan.

The victim, identified as Stevenson Rosario of Barangay Ambuetel, Calasiao, was reportedly visiting the home of the suspect when the two got into a verbal fight that quickly escalated.

“Medyo nagkainitan sila, nakapagsagutan sila, hanggang humantong doon sa sigawan nila. Kumuha na po si suspek ng kutsilyo at agad na pong pinagsasaksak itong ating biktima,” PCpt. Maureen Grace Tarlit, duty officer of Binmaley Police Station, said.

Rosario was stabbed three times: in the chest, side, and back. He was rushed to the hospital but died while being treated.

His grieving family is calling for justice.

The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Luis Dave Lagatao of Barangay Parayao, was arrested and is now in the custody of Binmaley police. The suspect did not release a statement after his relatives, who were visiting, requested that he not be disturbed.

The police filed a murder case, initially, but the same was downgraded to homicide as the weapon used in the stabbing was not recovered.