Tanod stabs another tanod over basketball game

CEBU, Philippines - A heated argument over a basketball game prompted a barangay tanod to stab another tanod, who also happened to be his cousin, in Barangay Bawo, Sogod Saturday evening.

Garry Campomanez, 32, sustained a lone stab wound in his abdomen and was rushed to Juan Dosado Memorial Hospital but was later transferred to Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City.

Police said the suspect, Vicente Lawas, 32, who acted as referee during the basketball tournament, is also a cousin of the victim.

At around 4:00 in the afternoon, during a game, the two allegedly engaged in a verbal tussle after Campomanez accused Lawas of being biased for the other team. The problem was however immediately settled by the organizers of the tournament.

But about four hours later, the two allegedly met again during the match between the two opposing teams.

Campomanez again confronted with Lawas about their earlier misunderstanding but the latter, who was under the influence of liquor suddenly pulled out a 4-inch kitchen knife and stab the victim.

The victim was immediately brought to the hospital while the suspect hurriedly fled on foot but at around 11 p.m., he surrendered in Catmon Police Station with the knife he used in the stabbing.

PO2 Dario Denopol said the suspect claimed his conscience pushed him to surrender after he tried to escape.

Lawas was turned over to Sogod Police Station where he is currently detained while waiting for the appropriate charges to be filed against him. — (FREEMAN)