Benguet farmer killed by drinking buddy

La Trinidad, Benguet (August 6, 2021)— A farmer was stabbed to death by his drinking buddy at around 5:00 PM Thursday in Sitio Manpey-as, Barangay Bulalacao, Mankayan Benguet.

The victim was identified as Jertel Mariano Gonogon, 20, single and a native of Barangay Mapaya, Mayoyao, Ifugao.

He is currently residing at Sitio Caew, Bulalacao, Mankayan.

The suspect is Rustom Mariano Balayya, also a native of Sitio Mapaya, Mayoyao, Ifugao and currently residing at Sitio Manpey-as, Bulalacao.

Investigation revealed that Gonogon and Balayya were having a drinking session and were arguing before the stabbing incident.

At the height of their verbal march, the suspect drew a knife and stabbed Gonogon on his left chest.

Gonogon was rushed to the Northern Benguet District Hospital in Buyacaoan, Buguias, Benguet where he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Suspect Balayya was later arrested by the Mankayan police and seized the knife used in the stabbing.

Artemio A. Dumlao