3 hurt in squabble over repair of quake-damaged house in Cotabato

KIDAPAWAN CITY –– Three family members landed in the hospital after their heated argument on who will repair their quake-damaged house in Naje village of Arakan, Cotabato turned bloody Thursday afternoon.

The police said the family patriarch, Antonio Tabosares, 68, had a heated argument with his son Alex, 45, and a civilian militia, regarding the repair of their ancestral house, which was about to collapse due to the series of earthquakes last month.

The son wanted the house repaired but his father objected, saying it was his, and no one else has the right to decide on it.

As the argument became intense, the father went inside the house, got a bolo, and hacked Alex, who was hit twice at the back of his head.

In retaliation, Alex drew a gun and shot his father, hitting him in the gut.

A younger son, Jonalie, 43, tried to pacify the two but was accidentally shot by Alex, hitting his abdomen and thigh.

They were then brought to the hospital for treatment.

Since most hospitals in the province were damaged by the October tremors, the patients were referred to a Davao City hospital.

The three were reportedly drunk when the incident happened.