A 25-year-old man died after being struck in the face with a stone by his drunk neighbor who believed he was carrying a real gun, but it turned out to be a toy weapon. The incident occurred at dawn on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Luray 1, Barangay Poblacion, Toledo City.
Victim declared dead on arrival
The victim, identified by police as Nikko Bacus Largo, a resident of the area, was declared dead on arrival at the hospital due to severe head trauma.
Following the incident, the suspect, Kent Mission Escoto, 30, surrendered to the barangay captain. He is currently detained at the Toledo City Police Station and will face a homicide charge.
Police investigation details
According to police investigation, Escoto was drunk at the time and left his house around 1:30 a.m. to look for his father. While walking, he encountered Largo, who was shirtless and holding what appeared to be a pistol, later identified as a toy gun.
The suspect claimed that he saw the victim about to draw his pistol. Fearing he would be shot, Escoto pushed Largo, causing both of them to fall. Escoto then picked up a stone and struck the victim in the face multiple times before fleeing.
Suspect surrenders after reporting to aunt
When Escoto returned home, he met his aunt, Faith Niña Escoto, and told her there was a bleeding person on the road. Faith Niña immediately reported to the barangay, prompting personnel from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) to respond and bring the victim to the hospital.
Despite the suspect's claim of self-defense and that it was a case of mistaken identity, the Toledo City Police will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the full truth of the crime.
