Man runs amuck, kills 2, hurts 3 in Cebu

CEBU CITY — A hacking incident in Purok Lumboy, Barangay Panangban in Compostela town in northern Cebu, left two people dead and three others injured on Monday morning.

The victims, a grandmother and her 5-year-old grandchild, died after a violent attack, while other family members suffered injuries.

Evelyn Pareja Jayme, 68, a widow, died alongside her 5-year-old grandchild, Gael Jayme Cogay. The attacker stabbed Evelyn in the head and Gael in the neck.

Ruvelyn Jayme Gomez, 38, Evelyn's daughter, sustained a stab wound to her forehead, while her husband, Kelly Gomez, 40, suffered facial injuries. Their 16-year-old son, Clint Justine Jayme Gomez, also suffered a stab wound to his arm.

Police arrested the suspect, Jayson Meca Avila, 41, shortly after the attack.

Avila, a known drug user and construction worker, is a neighbor of the victims. Police believe he had a strained relationship with the family, especially due to his wife's drug use.

Avila attacked the victims while under the influence of illegal drugs.

He first entered the home of Evelyn and attacked her with a machete.

After killing Evelyn and Gael, he moved to the Gomez household next door, where he stabbed Clint Justine and Ruvelyn in the face.

Kelly Gomez, who was in another room, rushed to protect his family but also suffered an injury when Avila attacked him.

Despite his wounds, Kelly managed to fight back with a hammer, striking Avila in the face.

The commotion alerted neighbors, who, along with barangay tanod, were able to neutralize and detain the suspect.

Police recovered the machete used in the killings and the hammer Kelly used to defend himself.

Police said that Avila likely attacked the family due to a perceived grudge, especially over the family's criticism of his drug addiction and his neglect of responsibilities.

Avila is now facing charges of double murder and frustrated murder. Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack.