Truck driver stabbed dead over basketball betting in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — A truck driver was stabbed to death by a 26-year-old man allegedly after a heated argument on basketball betting that ensued into a fistfight in Manila on Monday afternoon.

Initial investigation conducted by the Manila Police District Homicide Section disclosed that the victim Irineo Peñalosa  47, and suspect Jonel Sta. Ana had an altercation before each of them started throwing punches during a basketball game in Tondo.

When concerned citizens pacified the two, Sta. Ana, who appeared to be the one who lost in the brawl, headed home.

Witnesses told police that Peñalosa went to a nearby convenience store along Parola Compound in Tondo where Sta. Ana approached and stabbed him.

Peñalosa was rushed to the Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Hospital where he later died.

Sta. Ana managed to escape from the scene but was arrested by members of the Moriones police station during a follow-up operation. /jpv