21-year-old student dies after street brawl stabbing in Tabuk; 16-year-old suspect arrested

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The family and relatives of a 21-year-old man are seeking justice after he was allegedly stabbed to death by a 16-year-old boy in the early hours of Sunday, June 21, in Bulanao Norte, Tabuk City.

The incident occurred at around 3:30 a.m. at the corner of De Jesus and Lammawin Streets in Purok 3, Bulanao Norte. The victim was a 21-year-old resident of Nambucayan, Tabuk City, while the suspect is a 16-year-old native of Paracelis, Mountain Province.

According to a witness interviewed by police, he and his companions were on their way home when they were allegedly confronted by a group of about seven individuals. The encounter reportedly escalated into a fistfight between the two groups.

Amid the commotion, the witness said he saw the victim being chased by an individual wearing a gray jacket, a bull cap, and shorts. The suspect allegedly caught up with the victim and stabbed him, causing him to lose balance and collapse.

After the attack, the suspect and his companions fled the scene. The victim was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Through follow-up operations, police were able to identify and arrest the 16-year-old suspect. He is currently under the custody of the Tabuk City Police Station for proper disposition in accordance with laws governing Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL).

Meanwhile, the victim's family, relatives, and friends continue to mourn his untimely death and are calling for justice.

One of the victim's relatives recalled the sacrifices made by his parents when he battled a serious illness and described him as a kind, respectful, and cheerful young man who was deeply loved by those around him.

In a Facebook post, the relative wrote:

"Insurvive na sakit na ken grabe sacrifice ti nagannak na gapu ti sakit na tapos kasta lng inkasta da ta biyag na Nakasingsingpt ken jolly nga ubing Amin nga kayat na ited da mama ken papa na ta dyta ayat da lng agiskwela tattan manu lng en tapnu ag graduate ngem ay apu inkasta da."

The relative's statement reflected the family's grief, noting that the victim had overcome a serious illness through the sacrifices and unwavering support of his parents and was only a few steps away from finishing his studies when his life was tragically cut short.