CEBU, Philippines – The father who hacked his one-year-old son to death said he was prompted to commit the crime because of rumors that the victim was not his child.
Alfredo Taglupoc Jr., 29, said he was angry about talks circulating in their barangay that the victim, James Amper, was not his son. The information was brought up by their neighbors whom he had a drinking session with last Sunday.
Taglupoc said that because of anger he took the victim and hacked him to death using a 9-inch bolo.
"Diha nako kahibawo nga patay na kay nituasik naman ang dugo sa akong na-wong," he said.
Taglupoc admitted he was frantic after the incident and immediately ran towards Barangay Kantubaon where his uncle resides to hide. He was however arrested Monday morning during a hot pursuit operation conducted by the Tabuelan police.
The suspect's live-in partner Maribelle Pitogo said she was being linked to a certain Robert Sumalinog. An allegation she vehemently denied.
"Hapit nako mapatay si Robert kay ila mang ipasangil nga maoy amahan sa among anak nga unta liwat man kaayo niya ang bata," she said.
A criminal complaint for parricide was already filed against Taglupoc before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor's Office.
Taglupoc admitted that he is a new member of the cult named Sagrado Corazon de Jesus- Tabuelan Chapter where his father Alfredo Sr. was the chapter leader.
He said that as members of the cult they have amulets that make them invincible against any weapon.
"Inig abot ba sa katalagman makadepensa mi," he said.
Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Erson Digal discourages constituents of Tabuelan from joining any cult especially the Sagrado Corazon de Jesus if only invulnerability is the reason.
"Dili sila dapat mutuo kung ingnon nga di madutlan kay it is not yet proven," he said. (FREEMAN)