A 50-year-old man surrendered to police on Monday after allegedly stabbing his wife multiple times along a road in Barangay Inlambo, Mangaldan, Pangasinan, an attack that authorities say stemmed from jealousy and the woman’s desire to leave the marriage.

Police said the incident happened shortly after the couple met at the barangay hall to settle a dispute.

The suspect waited for the victim allegedly along the road and attacked her using a tari, a blade used for cockfighting.

“Diyan sa tricycle ko. Kasi sakay ko siya galing barangay. Tapos bigla niyang pinagsasaksak. Nung umawat ako, ako naman ‘yung tatangkain kaya umiwas ako. Tapos nung napagilid ako, biglang bumalik tapos pinagsasaksak ulit,” the victim’s brother, who witnessed the attack, said.

The suspect fled but surrendered later. Before escaping, the witness said he tried to fight back.

“Kumuha raw siya ng pamalong kahoy pero kumaripas na ng takbo ang suspek,” he added.

The wife, 43, sustained four stab wounds and multiple abrasions. She was rushed to the hospital and remains confined as her family appeals for blood donors, as of this writing.

Initial police investigation points to anger and jealousy as the motive.

Barangay officials confirmed that the woman had been seeking separation but the suspect reportedly would not agree to one.

“Ang ginagawa namin noon, gagawa kami ng kasulatan na wala nang pakialaman. Ayaw ng lalaki, ayaw niyang makipaghiwalay,” Barangay Councilman Mardy Gonzales said.

Anecita Ungria, a barangay councilwoman, said the man refused repeatedly the idea of ending the relationship.

“Kahit ano yung nangyari, kakalimutan na natin basta magsama tayo, sabi ng lalaki. Pero ‘yung babae ayaw na talaga,” she said.

Even the suspect’s mother struggled to process what happened.

“Mabait naman sila sa totoo lang. Hindi sila nag-aaway. Ang paalam ng asawa niya, magtrabaho ulit ako,” she said.

According to PLtCol. Perlito Tuayon, chief of the Mangaldan Police Station, the suspect claimed emotional distress pushed him to commit the crime.

“Isa po na sinasabi niya, nawalan na raw ng pagmamahal ang asawa niya. Kaya pilit niya inaayos at accordingly, ito po ‘yung naging dahilan bakit niya nagawa ‘yung krimen,” Tuayon said.

The suspect now faces a charge of frustrated parricide.

Authorities said they are still trying to reach the suspect for additional comment, while the victim’s family continues to seek help for her medical needs.