Debate on Nur-Hashim fatal to 1

COTABATO CITY — A drunken farmer was hacked dead the other night by his own nephew with whom he argued on who was more popular: Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari or his rival, Moro Islamic Liberation Front chieftain Salamat Hashim.

The victim, Carlito Gonzaga, 40, of Barangay Kiwahan in nearby Midsayap town, sustained multiple hack wounds in the head and face and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center here.

Midsayap’s police command said Gonzaga and his nephew, Noli 23, were having a drinking spree with some neighbors when they started arguing on who was really the more popular between Misuari and Salamat.

The older Gonzaga picked Misuari while the drunken Noli argued that Salamat was the man.

A neighbor who identified himself only as Mercidito said the debate turned into a shouting match. Soon after, Noli went home, returned already armed with a bolo and hacked his uncle repeatedly.

Noli fled from the scene after the hacking frenzy and has not been seen since. — John Unson