By CESAR JOLITO III

A 13-year-old boy died after he was allegedly struck in the head with a beer bottle by an intoxicated man during a vigil at Barangay Paitan in Negros Occidental’s Escalante City on Tuesday night, May 26.

Police identified the suspect only by his alias “Toto,” 29 years old, a resident of the same barangay.

Escalante police said the teenager was sitting outside their neighboring house while attending a vigil when “Toto” arrived, reportedly under the influence of alcohol.

Investigators said the suspect suddenly hit the victim at the back of the head using an empty beer bottle for reasons that have yet to be determined.

The victim was declared dead on arrival at the hospital due to injuries sustained from the attack.

Following the incident, the suspect immediately fled the area.

Authorities later tracked down and arrested the suspect on Wednesday, May 27, in neighboring Barangay Jonobjonob.

Police are continuing their investigation to determine the motive behind the fatal attack and to prepare the appropriate charges against the suspect./CJ, WDJ