The suspect in a foiled attempt to stab an American in Bacolod City was arrested for another crime: alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade. 

The suspect, a certain Reynaldo, a painter, was arrested on May 28, 2026 during a buy-bust operation. 

“Based sa aming pag-monitor, isa siya sa mga gumagamit at nagbebenta rin sa mansilingan. Nakita siya natin at nagsagawa tayo ng buy-bust,” said Capt. Jay-R Reyes, chief of Bacolod City Police Station 7.

Reynaldo was the person the victim identified as the attacker.

“Siya talaga ang itinuro ng ating biktima. Siya ang lumapit at nangtutok ng kutsilyo,” Reyes said.

INCIDENT

Closed circuit television (CCTV) camera captured the incident when the suspect approached the American and his wife outside a convenience store.

The suspect allegedly asked for money, P10, and got mad when the foreigner told him they had run out of cash and would need to withdraw.

The American managed to dodge the attack and ran away but the suspect ran after him and stopped only when the American’s wife started calling for help.

Read related story: https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/news/114230/american-in-bacolod-dodges-knife-attack-over-money/story/

SUSPECT’S VERSION

In an exclusive interview with GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas, the suspect disclosed why he attacked the American.

He said the American allegedly called him an idiot, which angered him.

“Sabi niya, ‘I have no coins, idiot’… ano ba ang ibig sabihin ng idiot? Ang babaw pala ng tingin niya sa mga Pilipino. Tinanong ko siya kung what nationality are you? Sagot niya, I don’t talk to strangers,” Reynaldo said.

Still, he said he is sorry for what he did and is willing to ask for forgiveness from the couple.

“Syempre, humihingi ng forgiveness kasi kung walang repentance, masakit sa pakiramdam,” he said.

He is facing charges for slight physical injury and violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.