By CESAR JOLITO III

A 41-year-old tricycle driver was killed after being stabbed by two brothers at Barangay San Jose in Negros Occidental’s Sipalay City on Monday, April 6.

The victim, identified only by the alias “Michael,” was a resident of Purok Malipayon in the village.

The suspects were identified as 19-year-old alias “Jansel,” a blacksmith, and 29-year-old alias “Roben,” a hollowblock maker.

Both are residents of Purok Aboitiz in the same barangay.

Sipalay police chief Lt. Cipriano Lumanog III said the victim was repairing his motorcycle when he was confronted by “Jansel” along with their mother.

The confrontation escalated into a heated argument until “Roben” joined and stabbed the victim on the right side of his abdomen.

The victim was rushed to the hospital but died while being transported.

Police have already arrested “Jansel,” while “Roben” remains at large and is the subject of an ongoing manhunt.

Initial investigation revealed that there was a prior conflict between the victim and the suspects.

Police said the victim’s family is set to file a murder case against the suspects as police continue follow-up operations to apprehend the remaining suspect./CJ, WDJ