Miner hacked over 'hantak', critical

CEBU, Philippines -  A coal miner was in critical condition after he was repeatedly hacked by his neighbor following an argument that stemmed from a betting game cara y cruz locally known as “hantak”.

The incident happened last Saturday night in Barangaay Maluray, in the southern town of Dalaguete.

The victim, Ingracio Gesim, 48, sustained multiple hacked wounds on different parts of his body. He was taken first to the Julio Cardinal Rosales Memorial Hospital but was transferred later to the Don Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City for further treatment.

The suspect, Arnel Revalde, 30, a farmer, is now the subject of a manhunt operation. He fled on foot right after the incident.

PO3 Christopher Requina of the Dalaguete Police Station said the victim and suspect were playing “hantak” with their neighbors when they figured in an argument at the height of the game.

Revalde reportedly decided to leave and go home while Gesim continued his luck with the game.

At about 7:30 pm, Gesim was walking home when Revalde attacked him with a bolo. Revalde kept on hacking Gesim until the victim managed to box Revalde and found a chance to escape.

Gesim then sought help from his neighbors as Revalde fled.

“Possible naglalis ni sa daug o sa bahin ba kaha sa kwarta unya wala magkasina bot,” Requina said.

Criminal charges for frustrated murder are being prepared against Revalde and are set to be filed in court within the week. — (FREEMAN)