Poll argument ends in clubbing to death

A 46-year-old laborer of Carbon Market died in a hospital after he was clubbed by a man he earlier chided by saying that the latter''s candidate would lose in the coming election.

Homicide investigators identified the fatality as Jerry Suarez, a resident of sitio San Miguel in barangay San Roque, and the suspected killer as Rudy Ochea, alias "Rudy Praning," also a market laborer.

The attack happened Tuesday afternoon but Suarez died in the hospital Wednesday evening, police said.

Homicide investigator SPO2 Rey Cuyos told The FREEMAN that, based on the statement of the victim''s live-in partner Norma Baron, Ochea allegedly struck Suarez with a piece of wood and empty bottles while the latter was taking a nap in sitio Barracks Warwick, Ermita.

Suarez suffered several contusions, abrasions and lacerations in the head and body and was rushed by some people to the Cebu City Medical Center where he eventually died.

Earlier before he was beaten up, Suarez was seen drinking liquor with a friend at a store owned by a certain Sitoy, the brother of the suspect.

Ochea was also reportedly seen drinking with his friend at the other table and talking about politics and the coming elections.

Upon overhearing the topic, Suarez approached Ochea''s table and confronted the latter by saying, "Dili na kadaog imo kandidato oy!"

A brief commotion ensued between the two, after which Suarez left the place and slept on a makeshift bed in the market.

A few minutes later, Ochea allegedly went to Suarez'' place. He was already carrying a piece of wood and empty bottles, which he used in beating up the helpless victim.

Cuyos said the police had no idea who were the candidates the victim and the suspect had been arguing for.

The Carbon Police has already did a manhunt of the suspect but had so far failed. - Edwin Ian Melecio/RAE