A birthday celebration turned violent in the early hours of Friday, 17 October, when a 24-year-old man was stabbed multiple times during a drinking session in Barangay 35, Bil-loca, Batac City.

Police identified the victim as Don Moen Puyot y Navero, 24, an employee of Alta Grounds and a resident of Barangay Rayuray, Batac City. The suspect, identified as Kyle Ryan Ganitano, of legal age and a resident of Barangay Barani, Batac City, remains at large as of press time.

According to the Batac City Police Station, the incident occurred around 12:50 a.m. at the residence of Jhay Mangabat, 23, a service crew member of Jollibee. An initial investigation revealed that a group of friends — including Ganitano, Angelo Mark Lapat y Ortal, and Calvin Klean Antonio — were drinking at Mangabat’s house when an argument broke out between Lapat and Antonio.

Lapat reportedly called his cousin, Puyot, for assistance, while Antonio also summoned his group. Upon their arrival, the tension escalated into a fistfight between Lapat and Antonio. Puyot, who tried to pacify the situation, was suddenly attacked by Ganitano, who allegedly pulled out a balisong (fan knife) and stabbed him multiple times in different parts of his body.

The suspect immediately fled fled with the weapon on a motorcycle heading north. The victim was rushed to the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center by a companion for medical treatment.

Authorities have launched a manhunt operation for the suspect, while investigation continues to determine possible charges and the full motive behind the attack.