Just Buying Ice for a Birthday, 16-Year-Old Stabbed in Tanauan, Leyte

Posted on August 13, 2026 at 5:32 am

Tanauan, Leyte — What was supposed to be a simple trip to buy ice turned into a frightening encounter for a 16-year-old boy after he was suddenly stabbed by a man in Barangay Cabuynan, Tanauan, Leyte, on the evening of August 6, 2026.

At around 9:20 p.m., the victim, identified as alias Paul, 16, and a resident of the area, was reportedly walking to a nearby store after being asked to buy ice for a birthday celebration.

But along the way, he was allegedly confronted by a man identified as alias Harvey, 24, who, for no apparent reason, suddenly stabbed him with a kitchen knife.

According to PCPT Raffy E. Cajefe, OIC of the Tanauan Municipal Police Station, the victim was struck in the left shoulder.

Police immediately arrested the suspect following the incident.

Fortunately, the victim survived and was given medical attention. Police said the kitchen knife used in the attack was reportedly blunt, which may have helped prevent more serious injuries.

The suspect is expected to face a frustrated murder charge while authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack.

Intoxication is among the possible factors being looked into, but investigators have yet to establish the exact reason for the stabbing.

What started as a simple request to buy ice for a birthday celebration nearly turned into a tragedy for the young victim.

Photo courtesy: Tanauan MPS