Farmer sued for slay try on driver

CHARGES have been filed before the City Prosecution Office against a farmer for allegedly trying to kill a 17-year-old driver.

Chief Inspector Angel Sumagaysay, chief of the Toril Police Station, identified the suspect as Antonio Panal Tupaz, 35, of Purok 6, Baracatan in Toril in Davao City.

The victim was identified as Renel John Orilla Mamac, a driver, and neighbor of the suspect.

Sumagaysay said the accused was charged for frustrated homicide under the Revised Penal Code and violation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban.

A source from the prosecution office, who refused to be identified for lack of authority to speak, said the accused was brought before Prosecutor Stella Esparagoza–Camirino around 9 a.m. on Tuesday for inquest proceedings.

The police recovered a curve bolo from Tupaz. He is now detained at the Toril Police Station.

Based on a blotter from Toril police, the suspect armed with a bolo went to the house of the victim. It was learned that the suspect was already intoxicated thus the victim tried to disarm him, but Tupaz instead hacked Mamac.

The victim sustained a lone hacked wound on his chest and was brought to the Southern Philippines Medical Center while the suspect was endorsed by their barangay council to Toril police. (Ivy C. Tejano)