Marikina man held for hitting son with hammer

MANILA, Philippines—A man was arrested in Marikina City for hitting his 11-year-old son with a hammer in a fit of rage on Tuesday, reportedly after learning that his family faced eviction and that his wife had left their children unattended.

Carlos Gonzales, a balut vendor, reportedly vented his anger on the eldest of his four children, according to PO3 Rhina Castillo of the Marikina police. Castillo said Gonzales’ family was scheduled to be evicted Wednesday from Olandes, Industrial Valley Complex, for failure to pay the month’s rent.

Quoting neighbors, the officer said the man had a history of beating up his wife because of jealousy, and that he may have become suspicious of her again Tuesday when she left the house earlier that day. An investigation showed that an enraged Castillo hit his son with a hammer on his back and left arm around 2 p.m.

The boy managed to run with his two younger sisters to seek help at the barangay hall, and was later brought to Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center for treatment.

Castillo said Gonzales would be charged with child abuse.