Bagger stabs mall merchandiser over “Bato bato pick” game dispute in Davao

Davao City – A simple game of “bato-bato pick” turned violent after a mall merchandiser was attacked and stabbed by a bagger from a competing mall in Davao City on the evening of January 27.

According to a report from Bajada Police Station 18, the incident occurred around 8:00 PM during the break time of the victim, identified as alias “Novie,” 24 years old, a merchandiser at SM Lanang Premier.

While heading toward the employee entrance exit door, alias “Alvin,” 28 years old, a bagger at Abreeza Ayala Mall, allegedly approached Novie, pulled out a weapon, and stabbed him. The victim managed to block the attack, but he sustained a wound on his left shoulder.

Novie rushed back inside the mall to seek help from security personnel, but the suspect had already fled the scene.

Police investigation revealed that the conflict started earlier when the suspect saw the victim playing “bato-bato pick” with her boyfriend and other employees. The game involved slapping the forehead of the losing player. The suspect reportedly became angry after witnessing Novie slap her boyfriend on the forehead, leading to a confrontation.

Later, the suspect allegedly sent a threatening message via Facebook Messenger, warning:
“Atangan taka sa inyong trabahoan ha! Istoryahon tika! (I will wait for you at your workplace! I need to talk to you!) This message reportedly left Novie anxious about her safety.

Police immediately launched an operation to locate the suspect, but he was not found at his Agdao, Davao City residence. However, Alvin voluntarily surrendered to authorities around 2:30 AM on January 28, accompanied by his mother and girlfriend.

He was taken to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), where the victim positively identified him as the assailant.

Alvin is now in the custody of Bajada Police Station 18 and is facing a frustrated murder charge for the attack.