Man, son stabbed for refusing to join cockfight

MANILA, Philippines – For refusing a friendly fight among their fighting cocks, three drunken neighbors stabbed a 50-year-old man and his son in Mandaluyong City Sunday night.

Doctors said Fortunato Bautista was in critical condition from a chest wound while his son, Ronaldo, 27, was released after getting treatment for a wound on the right arm.

Police arrested painter Ricky de Castro, 24, and Dennis Olayvar, 26, both residents of Barangay Addition Hills. They pointed to a certain Boks Pomeda as the mastermind in the attack on the Bautistas.

Prior to the incident, Pomeda asked the elder Bautista to test the mettle of their fighting cocks. The latter politely declined, making Pomeda angry, according to the arrested suspects.

At the height of a drinking spree, Pomeda asked De Castro and Olayvar to help him get even. The suspects paid a visit to the victims’ house at around 8:45 p.m. Sunday, attacking the elder Bautista and his son when they opened the door. Though his father was stabbed in the chest, Ronaldo was able to parry the suspects’ knife thrusts.

Attracted by the commotion, other members of the Bautista family rushed toward the door. The suspects fled.

Responding policemen and barangay officials arrested De Castro and Olayvar. Pomeda escaped and is now the subject of a manhunt.

Police are readying frustrated and attempted homicide charges against De Castro and Olayvar. – Non Alquitran