BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines — A 51-year-old college teacher at the Binalbagan Catholic College was found dead with 16 stab wounds on a street in Barangay San Pedro in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental on Wednesday.
Capt. Glen Portunes, Binalbagan deputy police chief, identified the teacher as Tony Lazaga, a resident Barangay 34 in Bacolod City who was temporarily residing in Binalbagan.
According to Portunes, the teacher had come from a birthday celebration in Bacolod and could have been followed by his assailant when he arrived in Binalbagan.
Two kitchen knives, one stained with blood, a slipper, and a damaged folding umbrella were found at the scene of the crime, the police said.
The Supreme Student Government of the Binalbagan Catholic College is calling for justice for Lazaga.
Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol also condemned the killing.
“Like everyone else, we are searching for answers and trying to understand why and how this happened and what caused it to reach this point. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the family, relatives and beloved friends of the deceased,” Mirasol said in a statement posted on Facebook.
Mirasol said he urged the police to fast-track its investigation of the case and to strengthen security in the area
“I am asking the cooperation from the community, if ever you have leads to this case, please inform the authorities right away,” Mirasol said.
“Rest assured that the local government unit will be hands-on in this matter. I am hopeful that justice will prevail and that we will have answers soon,” he added.
He also called on Binalbaganons, especially students and minors, to refrain from going out of their houses at night until the wee hours.
“Observe the ongoing curfew. Be vigilant and mindful of the places you are going and never go to a place alone. Let us all please be safe,” Mirasol said.