By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

An Australian-national was found dead inside his home Saturday morning at Sitio Marabo in Barangay Mambaroto, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.

Police identified the fatality as 79-year-old Teunis Van Dalen, a resident of the said area.

Sipalay City police chief, Police Chief Inspector Nazer Canja, said the victim’s neighbor, Lolito Juele, initially smelled a foul odor coming from Dalen’s residence, prompting him to investigate.

Upon discovering the remains, Juele immediately contacted police.

An autopsy of the remains revealed he sustained a stab wound to the right part of his chest.

Scene of the crime operatives concluded there were signs of forced entry, as well as evidence that Dalen fought back against an undetermined number of suspects.

It is still unclear, however, if the incident was a robbery attempt as most of Dalen’s electronic gadgets, jewelry, and money were still present.

Police recovered a stainless kitchen knife and a .38 caliber revolver.

An investigation is ongoing./DGB, WDJ