A barangay chairman and a barangay watchman in San Fabian, Pangasinan were injured after a resident attacked them allegedly with a machete during a confrontation in Barangay Nibalis Vidal.

Nillo Dojillo, the barangay chairman, suffered from a fractured hand while Joseph Fernandez, the barangay watchman, sustained a shoulder wound.

Both were responding to a complaint from a local resident when the suspect, allegedly under the influence of illegal drugs, turned violent.

Dojillo recalled how the suspect grabbed a bolo and attacked him without warning.

“Dinampot niya ‘yung itak. Insan, agko ilaluan, tinaga-taga to ak la,” he said.

The barangay watchmen tried to intervene but were also targeted.

“Tinulak ko na siya. ‘Yun, tinaga na rin niya ako. May tama na pala ako sa likod,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez managed to help subdue the attacker despite his injury.

According to police, the 32-year-old suspect is on the newly identified drug watchlist in the area. He has been arrested and is facing charges of frustrated murder.

“Na-file na ang kaso. Sa ngayon, ayaw niyang magsalita. Hindi pa namin siya nakakausap,” PLT. Fidel Mejia, spokesperson for the San Fabian Police Station, said.

The suspect refused to make a statement.