Police in Pangasinan are searching for a barangay watchman accused of stabbing his uncle during a late-night confrontation in Calasiao town, an attack that authorities said stemmed from an undisclosed family dispute.

The 31-year-old victim was stabbed in the side around 8:30 p.m. in Sitio Centro, Barangay San Miguel, Calasiao, police said. He survived the attack and is recovering in hospital.

Police identified the suspect as a 33-year-old barangay tanod and nephew of the victim, who fled after the incident.

According to investigators, the suspect blocked the victim’s path as he was leaving his house and attacked him suddenly.

“Noong palabas po ’yung biktima sa bahay nila, bigla siyang hinarang nitong suspek na nakasakay sa motor. At noong sisitahin ng biktima, bigla siyang inundayan ng saksak,” Police Lieutenant Colonel Quintin Casabar Jr., chief of the Calasiao Police Station, said.

Authorities said the suspect remains at large, but charges are being prepared.

“Ang suspek po natin is at large, nagtatago po siya. Pero hanggang bukas po, asahan niyo po na ang kaukulang kaso ay maisasampa laban sa kaniya,” Casabar said.

Police said they are preparing a complaint for frustrated homicide. Relatives of the victim said they are determined to pursue charges against the suspect.

A relative who lives with the victim said the incident has left the family shaken.

“Nakakasalamuha lang din namin sila. Matatakot na rin naman kami kasi kaya nilang gawin ’yung ganoon kahit magkakamag-anak kami. Pamilya sana eh. Puwedeng mapag-usapan kung may iringan, bakit ang dali-dali niyang kumitil ng buhay?” said Maricel Bauzon, the victim’s partner.

Authorities and relatives declined to disclose details of the dispute that led to the stabbing.

The news team sought comment from barangay officials regarding the involvement of a barangay tanod but no official agreed to be interviewed. Police also visited the suspect’s residence, but no one was found at the house.