Coal miner killed by neighbor

CEBU, Philippines - A coal miner died after he was hit several times with a piece of wood by his companion last Thursday evening while sleeping at their bunkhouse in Barangay Calagasan, Argao.

The victim, Bernabe Vidas, 21, a resident of the said place, sustained severe injuries in his forehead which caused his immediate death.

Now detained at the Argao police stockade is Nexon Alberca, 28, married and neighbor of the victim.

According to PO2 Benjamin Gerozaga of the Argao Police Station, prior to the incident Alberta was having a drinking session with their colleagues that night.

Vidas was left at the bunkhouse and was sleeping at the back portion of the canteen of the San Antonio Mining where they were working.

Gerozaga said Alberca arrived at where Vidas was sleeping, apparently under the influence of liquor.

He got irked at seeing Vidas sleeping on his place, so got a piece of wood and hit Vidas several times in the head.

“Mao ra to iyang gikasuk-an napulihan siya sa iyang gikatulgan”. Georzaga said. (He was angered at Vidas for taking his sleeping area.)

It was a barangay tanod who first responded to the incident and called up Calagasan barangay captain Teodoro Alberca.

It was Teodolo who arrested Alberta and turned him over to the police.

Gerozaga said they are still investigating further to check if Alberca had other reasons to hurt Vidas.

Criminal charges is now being prepared against Alberca which will be filed next week at the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor's Office. – (FREEMAN)