Man faces murder raps

A MAN is facing charges before the City Prosecutor's Office (CPO) after he allegedly stabbed dead another man on Christmas Eve in Davao City.

Sta. Ana police filed a murder complaint Wednesday against a certain Leo Balugos Morante, 25, construction worker and a native of Shanghai, Malita, Davao del Sur.

The suspect is facing charges for allegedly killing Michael Montero Lopez, 27 of Barangay 27-C in Davao City.

Based on the initial investigation conducted by Sta. Ana police, the victim along with his live-in partner, Jenny Pearl Ignacio, were attending a Christmas party where the suspect was also invited.

Police said the victim joined at the table occupied by the suspect who was having a drinking spree with his companions Ruben Muda Talmesa, Sareno Muda Talmesa and Adonis Mangca.

The suspect and his companions later engaged in a heated argument with one of the Ignacio's relatives prompting the victim to pacify them. After which, the victim along with Ignacio left the group, but the suspect followed them.

Police said the suspect confronted the victim and suddenly stabbed him in the mid-section of his body.

The suspect fled to an unknown direction while the victim was brought to San Pedro hospital where he died.

The suspect's companions were brought to the Sta. Ana police station for questioning along with another witness, Mariel Mallari Ramos.

The manhunt operation conducted by the Sta. Ana police resulted to the apprehension of the suspect in December 29. The suspect is now detained at the Sta. Ana police station.