Farmer hacks bro dead during tussle

CEBU, Philippines - A 23-year-old farmer hacked his own brother dead during an argument after the latter reportedly threw a stone at their father.

The incident happened at around 10 p.m. at their residence in Barangay Ilaya in the southern town of San Fernando last Wednesday.

The victim was identified as Jovanie Malabago, 17, while the assailant was identified as Ramil Malabago.

Initial investigation revealed that while Ramil was butchering chicken for their mother’s birthday, Jovanie approached their father, Geudioso, and asked for money. Geudioso, however, refused to give some money and this irked Jovanie, prompting him to throw a stone at his father.

Ramil reprimanded Jovanie but this reportedly angered the victim more. A heated argument ensued between the siblings, which ended with Ramil hacking his younger brother on the neck with the bolo he was using to butcher the chicken.

Jovanie died on the spot.

Ramil surrendered to barangay councilman Cristito de Lima and is now in the custody of the San Fernando Police Station. As of yesterday, his family remained undecided on whether or not to pursue a case against him. (FREEMAN)