Farmer stabs two brothers in Sibonga town; one killed

A 28-YEAR-OLD farmer allegedly stabbed two brothers killing one and hurting the other  in barangay Tubod, Sibonga, southern Cebu, last Sunday afternoon.

Police said the suspect, Jerwin Decierdo, resident of the place, fled after the incident.

Laborer Jonathan Sta. Rita, 25, died on the spot while his 23-year-old brother Jason was rushed to a Cebu City hospital for a stab wound in his back.

Police investigation revealed that Jonathan and Jason were having a drinking spree with their 30-year-old brother Jovan beside a volleyball court.

Police said Jovan challenged two men from barangay Magcagong who were watching the volleyball game to a fight.

Patricio Punes, 75, a farmer, tried to pacify Jovan.

Jovan was irked and mauled Punes with the help of Jonathan and Jason around 20 meters away from the volleyball court.

After mauling the farmer, the brothers returned to the volleyball court.

Police said Jovan earlier had a fistfight with Jerwin’s elder brother, Ronald, but residents in the area pacified the fight.

Police said Ronald immediately left the volleyball court.

It was not clear what caused Jerwin and Ronald’s fight.

When the three brothers returned to  the area beside the volleyball court, Jerwin, who was aware that his brother Ronald was mauled, was waiting for them.

Police said Jonathan strangled Jerwin in the neck and tried to stab him.

But Jerwin grabbed the knife and stabbed Jonathan several times.

Jerwin also stabbed Jason.

Police said Jovan did not help his brothers during the commotion and left.

Police said Jonathan was brought to the Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes in Carcar for autopsy./correspondent rhea ruth rosell