A 45-year-old man was killed while his companion is in critical condition after they were stabbed when they intervened in a brawl at a bar in Barangay Santiago, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur evening on Monday, March 23, 2026.

Video footage showed several men engaged in a fight when a man wearing a red shirt collapsed suddenly. Another man was also seen sitting on the road behind him.

A few moments later, the man in the red shirt attempted to stand and approach those involved in the brawl but collapsed again.

In another video, the other victim was seen being assisted onto a bench.

Police confirmed later that the two men, who are friends, were stabbed during the brawl. They were rushed to a hospital but one of them died.

The fatality was identified as a resident of Cotabato City.

Based on investigation, the victims had been drinking at a bar in the area. They reportedly transferred to another bar after a misunderstanding with another customer.

However, when they returned, a brawl had already broken out and they were stabbed when they attempted to intervene.

“Simpleng away sa inuman tapos nagkaroon ng away at napunta sa pananaksak,” Pagadiang City Police Office Chief, Lt. Col. Jerwin Cagurin, said.

The suspect was identified after his motorcycle was traced by authorities. He is being pursued, as of this writing.

Tight security measures have been implemented in the area.