By JEN BAYLON

A live-in couple fatally stabbed each other during a heated argument inside their home at Barangay Tabugon in Negros Occidental’s Kabankalan City on Tuesday afternoon, May 20.

The victims were identified as 26-year-old Marilie Satinyamian, and her live-in partner Fernan Pacunla, a laborer, both residents of Purok Eucalyptus.

The violent altercation reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over Satinyamian’s plan to continue working in Bacolod City as a housekeeper to finance repairs on their home.

Pacunla opposed her returning to work in Bacolod.

The heated argument escalated into a physical fight involving bladed weapons recovered at the scene.

The couple sustained multiple stab wounds.

She was declared dead on arrival at Kabankalan District Hospital, while Pacunla died en route to Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital.

Police said the incident was witnessed by Satinyamian’s six-year-old child from a previous relationship, who later sought help from her neighbors.

The child is now under the care of her grandmother.

Kabankalan police chief Lt. Colonel Roberto Indiape, Jr. stated this was the first time the couple had resorted to violence in their disputes./JB, WDJ