A 31-year-old man remains in critical condition after he was repeatedly stabbed in a parking lot in Mangaldan, Pangasinan, with police linking the attack to a long-running dispute between the victim and the suspect.

The stabbing happened on the night of July 16 in Barangay Bari. Police said the victim was on his way home when the suspect, who had allegedly come from a drinking session, suddenly attacked him.

Residents said the victim and the suspect were from the same village and had a history of conflict.

Reygan Quinto, a resident, claimed the suspect had stabbed the victim's father in the past.

"Pati 'yung tatay ng biktima, sinaksak niya noon. Nagkaroon ng hearing, hindi sumipot kaya nakalabas. Makalipas ang ilang buwan, 'yung anak naman ang sinaksak," Quinto said.

Police said the victim suffered multiple stab wounds to the abdomen, back, arms, and head but managed to run and seek help from nearby residents.

Mangaldan Police chief Lt. Col. Perlito Tuayon said a police patrol happened to be in the area when residents asked for assistance.

"Nag-cause po siya ng multiple wounds sa abdomen, back, arms at sa ulo. 'Yung biktima natin, nakuha pang tumakbo at humingi ng tulong sa mga kapitbahay. Incidentally, 'yung ating mobile patrol ay nagpa-patrol sa area at may humingi ng tulong sa atin," he said.

Police launched a hot pursuit operation and arrested the suspect on Frianeza Street shortly after the attack. Authorities are still searching for the weapon used in the stabbing, as of press time.

"Pilit na hinahanap itong weapon ng suspek na ginamit pero hindi pa nare-recover, so far," Tuayon said.

The suspect is now in the custody of the Mangaldan Police Station. He declined to face the camera but reportedly told investigators that he committed the attack while under the influence of alcohol.

Police said the suspect had previously faced complaints involving similar stabbing incidents.

"Talagang wild siya at wala siyang kinikilalang tao. Noong nakulong siya rito sa station ay hindi na uma-attend 'yung kaniyang mga nasaksak at nagkaroon ng mga settlement," Tuayon added.

GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon is still trying to obtain the victim's side and the statements of his family, as of posting.