Argument turned bloody in Isabela: He returned the bolo—then the 78-year-old hacked him in the head

Cauayan City, Isabela – A 78-year-old man voluntarily surrendered to authorities after allegedly hacking a 35-year-old graphic artist during a heated argument in Barangay San Fermin, Cauayan City.

According to a local media report published on July 14, the incident stemmed from a dispute after the victim confronted the elderly man for allegedly moving two basins placed near a jetmatic water pump. The confrontation quickly escalated into a heated argument.

The altercation turned violent when the victim allegedly picked up a "bangkito" and challenged the older man to a fight. In response, the suspect armed himself with a bolo, prompting the victim to pick up a piece of wood to defend himself.

During the struggle, the victim managed to wrest the bolo away from the suspect and even urged him to stop the fight. However, after the victim returned the weapon, the 78-year-old allegedly hacked him in the head.

Despite sustaining serious injuries, the victim managed to make his way to a nearby hospital before contacting his sibling for assistance.

Police were immediately alerted and launched a follow-up investigation, which led to the voluntary surrender of the elderly suspect. He is now under police custody while appropriate charges are being prepared against him.

The incident came just a day after another hacking case was reported in the country. On July 13, a 33-year-old man allegedly hacked a 19-year-old in Naga City after the victim reportedly refused to give him a mango.