Kabankalan City Councilor Stabbed Over Alleged Gossip
KABANKALAN CITY – A councilor in Kabankalan City was stabbed after allegedly being involved in a gossiping incident.
A barangay official from Barangay Tagukon, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, was attacked with a bolo on Thursday night, allegedly over accusations of spreading rumors about illegal drug use.
The victim, identified as 49-year-old Ernie Gumban, a Barangay Kagawad (councilor), was attending a wake when he was suddenly assaulted. The suspect, John Paul Malan, 28 years old and unemployed, is a resident of the same area, Purok Ipil-Ipil, Barangay Tagukon.
According to Police Captain Sammy Gasataya, Deputy Chief of the Kabankalan City Police Station, Malan arrived at the wake carrying a bolo and immediately struck Gumban on the head. The attack left the victim with a head wound, and he was quickly rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Fortunately, he is now in stable condition and out of danger.
After the violent incident, Malan attempted to flee but was apprehended during a hot pursuit operation conducted by the authorities. The police believe that the primary motive behind the attack was Malan’s anger over allegations that he was using illegal drugs, which he believed Gumban had been spreading.
Cases of personal disputes escalating into violence have become a growing concern in local communities. Authorities are reminding the public to seek peaceful resolutions rather than resorting to aggression. Barangay officials, who are tasked with maintaining peace and order, are particularly vulnerable to conflicts arising from community disputes.
Malan is now facing charges of frustrated murder, a serious offense under Philippine law. If convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence. Meanwhile, the police continue their investigation to gather further evidence regarding the incident.
This shocking act of violence has left residents of Barangay Tagukon concerned about safety and conflict resolution within their community. Authorities are urging individuals to report disputes early to prevent violent escalations and to promote a culture of peaceful dialogue.
Local officials have expressed their commitment to strengthening security measures and ensuring justice is served for the victim, while also working towards preventing similar incidents in the future.
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