PUJ dispatcher stabbed

CEBU, Philippines – A public utility jeepney dispatcher got wounded after being allegedly stabbed by a hotcake vendor on the roadside Sunday morning in Barangay Poblacion, Lapu-Lapu City.

Jose Flores, 41, resident of Barangay Gun-ob, sustained wounds on the lower back portion of his body, according to Police Officer 2 Jerson Alparito of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office Homicide Section.

Based on initial police investigation, the incident happened in the barangay’s Rizal Plaza near the Lapu-Lapu City Auditorium when Flores was looking for a place to park his motorcycle that morning.

The alleged suspect, Ronald Derota, 32, of Sitio Langub, Barangay Poblacion suddenly appeared from his back, reportedly carrying a bladed weapon.

Without hesitation and provocation, Derota then allegedly stabbed Flores, hitting him on his back and then immediately fled from the scene.

Alparito said Derota and Flores were reported to be harboring grudge against each other. Both have live-in partners.

The investigator of the case added that the suspect evaded arresting officers from Gub-ob Police Station while the victim was rushed to Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center through the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation ambulance.

Aside from the bad blood between the two, Alparito said they are also looking at jealousy as another motive. Derota reportedly envied his live-in partner’s alleged closeness with the victim, making him think the two have “hidden relationship.”

Follow-up investigation is still being conducted while Derota remains at-large. Charges of frustrated murder will be filed against him once arrested.