Isabela Christmas violence: 3 dead, 4 hurt

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines – Three people were killed while four others are fighting for their lives in separate cases of violence during Christmas celebrations in Isabela province.

Businessman Apolinario Alaska Jr., 39, succumbed to multiple stab wounds allegedly inflicted by his longtime adversary Mauro Preza, 46, an employee of Gamu town Mayor Nestor Uy.

Senior Inspector George Maribbay, Gamu police chief, said Alaska shot Preza, who retaliated by stabbing the former several times in Barangay District 2.

Both were brought to the same hospital in the adjacent Ilagan City, where Alaska died during treatment. Preza remains in critical condition.

In nearby Echague town, 44-year-old Julian Simangan was stabbed dead during a Christmas drinking spree in Barangay San Jose. Police said Simangan had a petty argument with his neighbor and suspect Vicente Fragata, 52.

In San Guillermo town, Jay Riston, 26, is fighting for his life following an attack by Danilo Baquirin, 57, and his son Jeremy, 22. The three were in a drinking party in Barangay Bonifacio before the attack.

In the neighboring Barangay Sinalugan, 37-year-old Jimmy Duna is in critical care after his neighbor Zaldy Dumo, 27, hacked him during an argument over firecrackers.