Unpaid debt results in Valenzuela stabbing

MANILA, Philippines - A man is currently confined at a hospital in Valenzuela City after he was stabbed in the chest following an altercation Friday night caused by an unpaid P50 debt for an alleged illegal electricity connection.

Fernando Montanejos, 44, was rushed to the Valenzuela Medical Center following the stabbing at Gen. T. de Leon around 9:30 p.m., said Valenzuela City police chief Superintendent Rhoderick Armamento.

Initial investigation showed that the suspects – identified as Vicente and Danilo Villaluz – arrived at the house of the Montenejos’ brother to collect the P50 payment for their supposed illegal electricity connection.

Montanejos, who was at his brother’s house, confronted the suspects. It resulted in a heated confrontation.

Armamento said the victim tried to run away from the suspects, but the duo cornered him at a nearby street outside the house. The police officer said Danilo struck Montanejos on his head, while Vicente stabbed him.

The victim sustained two stab wounds in the chest and another in his left hip. He was brought by his nephew to the hospital, where he is currently undergoing medical treatment.

The police officer said a follow-up operation was conducted in the area, but the suspects escaped. Charges of frustrated homicide will be filed against the two before the city prosecutor’s office, Armamento said.