BY: ANGELICA ARQUERO
A 21-year-old man died after being stabbed by his drinking companion during an altercation that stemmed from a disagreement over a hat.
According to police, the incident occurred in the early morning of April 2 in Barangay Tuliao.
Roy Habala, 21, was allegedly stabbed by 32-year-old John Carlo Cabellero in front of a store around 5:30 a.m.
Sta. Barbara Police Chief PLTCOL Michael S. Datuin said the conflict began when the victim asked the suspect to remove his hat so he could be better recognized.
The suspect reportedly responded with irritation, questioning the request, which led to a heated argument and a fistfight.
Following the scuffle, the suspect briefly left and returned with a keychain knife hidden in his motorcycle.
He then allegedly stabbed Habala multiple times in the chest, arm, and abdomen.
The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Investigations revealed that the fatal wound was a deep stab to the chest.
Cabellero later surrendered to authorities and is now facing homicide charges.
This marks the first recorded case of a fatal stabbing in the municipality for the year.
