Suspect claims to have no memory of the incident

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

At least four people, including a barangay kagawad, were killed, while three others were wounded, after a man reportedly went on a hacking spree yesterday morning in Ilog’s Barangay Balicotoc.

In a radio interview with Barangay Captain Mark Joseph Valenciano, the suspect, identified as William Magbato, allegedly hacked and killed his wife; then proceeded to his brother’s home, where he hacked his nephew to death.

Magbato then reportedly visited a relative’s house and hacked and killed an elderly woman.

Barangay officials responded to calls for help, but Magbato ambushed Barangay Kagawad Leonilo Balsomo by hitting him with a metal pipe and hacking him repeatedly.

Soldiers from the 12th Infantry Battalion later joined in the manhunt and tracked the suspect down to the local plaza, where he also assaulted a certain Jessie Seroñes.

Seroñes, however, managed to escape the attack with only minor injuries.

Fearing Magbato may cause more harm, soldiers opened fire at the suspect, hitting him several times in the arm until he dropped the bladed weapon he was holding.

Soldiers and local residents immediately tackled Magbato to the ground and brought him to the hospital before being turned over to local police.

The victims, meanwhile, were also rushed to the hospital; however, Balsomo later succumbed to his wounds.

Valenciano added, when authorities tried interrogating Magbato, he claimed he could not remember what he had done.

The suspect is now detained at the Ilog Municipal Police Station./DGB, WDJ