A man who confessed to fatally stabbing seven of his co-workers inside a bakery in Antipolo City has surrendered to authorities, citing claims that the victims were plotting to kill him.
The suspect, a co-owner of the bakery in Barangay Cupang, turned himself in at Camp Crame around 9 a.m. on Tuesday, hours after the bodies were discovered with multiple stab wounds.
Police responded to reports of a disturbance and found the victims inside the bakery early Tuesday morning. Two of the fatalities were minors.
“There was somebody calling for help since 11 p.m., pero nobody heeded,” said Antipolo Police Chief Lt. Col. Ryan Manongdo in an GMA News report. “Nung umaga na lang nakarating sa sitio chairman, at rescue, naabutan pa nila na may buhay pa, hanggang doon na bawian ng buhay sa ambulance.”
In his confession, the suspect claimed he acted in self-defense, alleging that his business partner and other workers—many of whom were related to his partner—planned to kill him and take full control of the business.
“Pinagbantaan kasi nila ako na papatayin nila ako gamit yung unan… narinig ko nag-usap sila,” he said, claiming they plotted to make his death look like he died in his sleep. “Kung mapatay ako, sa kanya na mapunta ang business namin. Kaya inunahan ko na sila.”
The killings reportedly took place after a drinking session hosted by the suspect to celebrate his birthday. He said he waited until lights were out before carrying out the stabbings.
“Lahat sila sumugod sa akin… kaso lang wala silang kutsilyo. Ako lang may kutsilyo,” he told police. “Hindi naman sila makatama kasi madilim, walang ilaw… ako ang makasaksak.”
However, police remain skeptical of the suspect’s version. Rizal Provincial Police Director Col. Felipe Maraggun raised doubts, suggesting the motive appeared too shallow and pointing out the improbability of one man overpowering seven people without injury.
“Hindi kami makukuntento dun na siya lang ang salarin. Possibly may kasamahan din siya,” Maraggun said. “Hindi tayo makuntento sa version ng suspek, kundi ano ba masasabi ng ebidensya.”
Authorities are now conducting autopsies on the victims and reviewing CCTV footage from the area to verify the suspect’s claims and determine whether others were involved in the gruesome incident.
