A violent family dispute over drug addiction escalated into a stabbing incident in Cebu City early Monday morning, January 12, 2026, leaving a young man wounded and his older brother in police custody.
Early Morning Attack in Enriquez Compound
The incident occurred around dawn at Enriquez Compound in Barangay Punta Princesa, Cebu City. The victim, a 22-year-old man identified only by the alias Earl, was stabbed by his 30-year-old brother, known as Eddie. According to Earl, the confrontation began when he confronted his older sibling about his suspected drug habit.
Earl had tried to stop Eddie from selling their family's household appliances, specifically a heater and a television. He believed the proceeds would be used to buy illegal drugs. This intervention allegedly provoked Eddie's anger, leading to the sudden attack.
A Sudden and Violent Assault
"I didn't even notice he had grabbed a knife," Earl recounted of the terrifying moment. The older brother, in a fit of rage, allegedly lunged at him with the blade. Earl managed to block the attack, but not before sustaining a deep wound on his left arm.
Following the assault, the wounded victim immediately sought help. He reported the incident to the local barangay officials and the police, which led to the prompt arrest of the suspect, Eddie, who is unmarried and listed as an ulitawo.
A History of Threats and a Family's Resolve
Further investigation revealed that tension between the brothers was not new. Sources indicated there had been a long-standing rift between them. The situation had grown so severe that the suspect had previously threatened to kill his family and burn their house down.
Earl and his entire family are now determined to see justice served. They are committed to pursuing legal action to ensure Eddie is imprisoned and, crucially, undergoes rehabilitation. Their goal is for him to receive treatment for his drug dependency and learn to reform his ways.
This case highlights the destructive impact of drug addiction on family units, transforming domestic spaces into scenes of violence and fear. The swift coordination between the victim, barangay, and police prevented further escalation and led to an arrest.
