Two men were victims of brutal neck-slashing incidents in separate locations in Talisay City and Barili town on Sunday, May 10, 2026. One victim died, while the other remains in critical condition at a hospital.
Talisay City Incident
In Talisay City, 54-year-old chorizo maker Inocentes “Sanny” Sabalande was killed after being shot and then having his neck slashed with a bolo knife by his neighbor in Sitio Dikyam, Barangay Maghaway.
According to the victim’s wife, alias Edna, the suspect, alias Eddie, a construction worker, chased her husband around 6:00 a.m. The first shot missed, but the suspect continued pursuing until the second bullet hit the victim’s shoulder.
When Sabalande fell, the suspect approached and slashed his neck with a bolo knife, causing instant death.
The two had a conflict over a PHP 2,000 payment for a solar panel. The victim had sold a solar panel to the suspect a year ago, but the suspect returned it and demanded his money back. The suspect allegedly became angry when the victim said he had no money to pay.
Aside from grief, the victim’s family fears for their safety as the suspect has threatened to kill them all. Edna urged the police to arrest the suspect immediately.
The Talisay City Police Station is conducting a hot pursuit operation and reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas that the suspect may have passed through after the incident.
Barili Incident
In Barili town, a 36-year-old man is in critical condition after being slashed in the neck by his drinking buddy during a birthday party in Sitio Kabataan, Barangay Maigang, at around 2:00 p.m. on the same day.
The victim was identified as Romeo Baritua, while the suspect, 42-year-old Joebel Alega Jagape, was quickly arrested by police.
According to the investigation by Police Corporal Bren Martin Alsola of the Barili Police Station, both the victim and suspect were attending their neighbor’s birthday party. While drinking with friends, an argument broke out after they became intoxicated.
Even after being separated by companions and the homeowner, the suspect’s anger persisted. He took a bolo knife from the kitchen of the birthday celebrant and suddenly slashed the victim’s neck. Jagape attempted to slash again but was immediately restrained by friends.
The victim was rushed to the hospital with a serious neck wound, while the suspect was turned over to responding police officers.
In an interview with SunStar Superbalita Cebu, Corporal Alsola said they have not yet obtained the victim’s side due to his condition and intoxication. However, the suspect quickly confessed to the crime, saying he was fed up with Baritua’s constant challenges.
“According to his side (suspect), he claimed the victim kept challenging him. He said the victim provoked him and kept saying that he (suspect) was the tough guy in their area,” Alsola recounted based on the suspect’s statement.
The suspect is currently detained at the Barili Police Station and is awaiting the filing of a frustrated homicide charge against him.
