7 hurt, 5 held in New Year’s Day brawls

MANILA, Philippines — Seven people were wounded and five others were arrested in separate brawls in Malabon, Valenzuela and Taguig on New Year’s Day.

Police said Mark Anthony Marquez, 19, and Mark Gozon Bernardo, 30, allegedly stabbed and shot Makie Marquez Burca, 23; Coolee Bernardo Toledo, 17; and Paulo Bernardo Gozon, 24, along Camus Extension in Barangay Ibaba, Malabon at around 11:30 a.m.

The suspects and the victims were engaged in a drinking spree when an argument led to a brawl, during which Marquez allegedly stabbed Toledo in the head and Gozon in the arm with a butterfly knife. Bernardo reportedly shot Burca in the left shoulder.

The victims are being treated at the Ospital ng Malabon and Chinese General Hospital.

Police arrested Marquez while Bernardo escaped.

Meanwhile, Mario Datinginoo, 61, was arrested for allegedly stabbing his co-worker Felipe Bacales Jr. during a drunken argument at their workplace in Barangay Malinta, Valenzuela at around 8:30 p.m.

Police reported that Datinginoo stabbed Bacales in the back but the victim did not notice until another co-worker called his attention.

Also in Valenzuela, police arrested Jebert Vivar, 36, and Enrico Anoyan Jr., 20, for allegedly initiating a brawl with Julius Fernandez, 36, and Emmanuele Demetion, 27, in front of Vivar’s house.

Police said Vivar threw a rock at Fernandez’s car when the latter used the horn. Vivar and Anoyan allegedly beat up Fernandez and Demetion, Fernandez’s passenger, was hurt when he tried to pacify them.

In Taguig, police arrested Edna Arriola, 50, a tricycle driver, after victim Eloisa Asuncion, 39, accused Arriola of hitting her with a motorcycle helmet and cursing at her husband in front of Arriola’s house in Barangay Pinagsama at around 6:50 p.m.

The five suspects could face charges ranging from frustrated homicide, physical injury, malicious mischief and unjust vexation.