A dispute over a water hose escalated into a machete attack in Barangay Babag, Cebu City, leaving a 78-year-old man injured and a 74-year-old neighbor under arrest.
The incident happened early Monday morning, September 21, 2026, in Sitio Cambitas. Police later arrested the 74-year-old suspect, identified by the alias Tiago, at Police Station 12 of the Cebu City Police Office in Barangay Malubog.
According to Tiago’s account, he was startled after hearing a commotion outside their residence. When he went to check, he allegedly saw his live-in partner involved in an argument with their neighbor.
The confrontation reportedly began while the two were drawing water and arguing over a water hose. Tiago said he was unable to determine exactly what triggered the dispute.
He claimed he saw the victim, identified by the alias Roger, apparently punching his live-in partner, who was shouting during the confrontation.
Tiago told authorities that he saw Roger holding what appeared to be a bladed weapon, prompting him to take a machete and intervene.
The suspect then allegedly struck Roger, hitting him in the left arm. The injured man was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Tiago was subsequently arrested by police. During his account, he apologized for what happened and maintained that he acted to defend his live-in partner, whom he believed was being attacked.
The circumstances surrounding the confrontation, including the events that led to the dispute over the water hose and the use of the weapons, remain subject to police investigation.
