A 34-year-old man died after he was crushed by the bucket of a backhoe driven by his wife in Valencia City, Bukidnon.

Based on investigation, the victim allegedly threw a stone at his 34-year-old wife while the latter was operating the backhoe at her workplace.

Because of fear, the wife allegedly maneuvered the bucket of the heavy equipment to shield herself, which hit the victim.

“Out of fear, itong babae para hindi siya matamaan gi-cover niya ng bucket itong backhoe. On which wala niya mabantayi along the way naipit natong husband niya sa bucket sa backhoe. So naka-sustain ang husband niya ng serious injuries sa different part sa katawan niya,” Bukidnon Police Provincial Office Spokesperson, Major Jayvee Babaan, said.

Police said the couple had been fighting frequently with the victim allegedly abusing his wife physically.

It even reached the point where they filed charges against each other, and a court order had been issued prohibiting the victim from approaching his wife.

“May permanent protection order itong babae galing sa court against sa victim. So, supposedly hindi na dapat naglapit itong biktima sa suspek natin,” Babaan added.

The suspect was taken into police custody and was released on Monday, September 8.

“Update naman natin yesterday Monday, na-release itong suspek kay wala man nag-file na complaint against sa suspek,” Babaan said.

Authorities advised couples, especially those experiencing conflicts, to avoid letting arguments escalate into physical altercations that could potentially lead to tragic incidents.