A long standing land dispute led to the killing of a pregnant 20-year-old woman in Sogod town, north Cebu on Sunday night in barangay Bagatayam in Sogod.
Ivy Maquilan was stabbed several times by her brother-in-law Peterson Lumbab, 28, whom police said was under the influence of liquor.
The attack took place in her home in the presence of her children, aged 3 and 1.
After the incident, Lumbab, who is a carpenter, walked to the Sogod Police Station to surrender.
The PO1 Tirso Sol said Lumbab is the husband of Ivy’s elder sister, Marvie.
The violence took place around 6 p.m. in barangay Batayam. Armed with a 13-inch knife, Lumbab who is the husband of Ivy’s elder sister Marvie, went to Ivy’s house. There was a brief argument before he stabbed her and slit her throat.
Lumbab, a carpenter, told police he had planned a month ago to kill Ivy and her live-in partner. The male partner was out gathering “tuba” or local coconut wine when the attack occured.
PO1 Sol said the carpenter did not show remorse for his action and told police what was important was that he avenged his wife whom Ivy allegedly harassed in the past.
Ivy and her sister, Marvie had a long standing dispute over land owned by their parents.
According to Lumbab, Ivy prohibited her sister from building a house on the lot which has not yet been divided between them as heirs.
This didn’t stop the couple from building a house there. On several occasions, Ivy allegedly shouted at her sister, using foul language.
After one quarrel, Marvie had to be rushed to the hospital after she suffered a heart attack.
PO1 Sol said Lumbab was intoxicated under the attack.
The carpenter is detained at the Sogod Police Station while a murder charge against him is being prepared.