By CESAR JOLITO III

Two separate violent incidents were recorded in Negros Occidental during the Christmas holidays, prompting an immediate police response and ongoing investigations by local police units.

In San Carlos City, a stabbing incident was reported at around 2:33 a.m. on Thursday, December 25, along Remedios Street, Barangay III.

Police identified the victim as a 48-year-old married male construction worker, who sustained stab wounds but survived the attack.

The suspect, identified as 42-year-old alias “Ramil,” also a construction worker and a resident of the same area, was promptly arrested during the police response.

Investigation revealed that the incident stemmed from a heated argument that occurred earlier at around 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24.

The victim was reportedly having a drinking session and videoke with family members and a neighbor when the suspect suddenly arrived and turned off the videoke without any apparent reason.

The confrontation escalated, resulting in the suspect stabbing the victim in the neck and causing minor injuries to other parts of his body.

The victim was rushed to San Carlos City Hospital for medical treatment, while the suspect was informed of his constitutional rights and the Anti-Torture Law in a dialect known to him.

He remains under police custody as authorities prepare the appropriate criminal charges.

Meanwhile, a fatal shooting incident was recorded in Kabankalan City shortly on Wednesday at 12:03 a.m. in Sitio Makilo, Barangay Camansi.

The victim was identified as a 55-year-old widow and farmer, a resident of the area.

According to her granddaughter, who was with her at the time, they were sleeping when their front door was kicked twice.

Two unidentified armed men forcibly entered the house, proceeded directly to the victim’s room, and shot her multiple times without provocation, resulting in her death.

The suspects fled the scene and escaped toward a nearby rice field.

The victim’s body was brought to a funeral home for a post-mortem examination by a legal officer.

Police are continuing follow-up investigations and coordinating with the victim’s family and possible witnesses to identify and apprehend the suspects./CJ, WDJ