By Franck Dick Rosete | Philippine News Agency
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Valencia City Police Station in Bukidnon province has debunked the “zombie attack” rumors spreading in social media about a commotion that happened in Tungan-tungan village, Valencia City.
In a phone interview on Saturday (Feb. 19), Lt. Pablo Jugos Jr., Valencia City police chief investigator, said the incident that occurred on February 17 was just a rare physical assault involving two individuals.
Jugos identified the suspect as Carl Clinton Colinas, 25, from Saligan village, who mauled the victim identified as Anthony Arimas, 30, from Tungan-tungan village.
He believed the incident went viral on social media since aside from mauling the victim, the suspect also pierced the victim’s eyes using his fingers, beat the victim’s fingers, and sucked his blood.
“During my interview with the victim, the suspect accordingly mauled him, pierced his eyes with his fingers, and sucked his blood,” Jugos said.
According to the initial investigation, Arimas heard someone yelling between midnight and 1:00 a.m. and went outside to confirm. The victim saw the naked suspect running as he was being chased.
Jugos said that Colinas and his live-in partner had a misunderstanding during that day which triggered his aggressive act. He also said the suspect had a history of going into rehabilitation over illegal drug use.
However, the suspect has said during interrogation that he did not take any drugs but was under the influence of alcohol.
The responding police officers immediately proceeded to the location after being alerted and arrested the suspect.
The chief investigator urged the public to refrain from exaggerating information and stop spreading unverified information on social media to prevent panic.
“The people must not worry as there was no zombie attack that happened in the city. We must be very careful in sharing information, especially on social media. The police will always provide intensive security to protect the residents,” Jugos said.
The suspect was detained at the custodial facility of the Valencia city police station and a case has already been filed with the city prosecutor’s office.
The victim, on the other hand, is in stable condition but still under treatment. (PNA)
-ag
