A PRIVATE hospital in Bohol province where a nurse was fatally stabbed by a patient is reeling from the tragedy and has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

The Bohol Doctors’ Hospital described the October 17 event as an "unforeseen tragedy" involving a patient with a history of drug use, which has deeply shaken their entire community.

"We are deeply saddened to announce the tragic passing of a dedicated member of our healthcare team due to an incident involving a patient [who] allegedly [had a] history of drug use," the hospital said in a statement released Thursday night, October 17.

The attack unfolded when 31-year-old Marlito Cardines Linguis, admitted for diarrhea two days earlier, misunderstood a joke made by the nurse about his discharge.

Enraged, Linguis grabbed a pair of scissors from the nurse's station and fatally stabbed the 51-year-old nurse multiple times in the chest and neck.

The nurse's name was withheld per her family's request.

A 21-year-old utility worker, Francis Justiniare, was also injured while trying to intervene. Despite being stabbed in the abdomen, he managed to escape and alert hospital security, leading to Linguis' swift arrest.

Linguis, who previously surrendered during the government's anti-drug campaign in 2016, now faces charges of murder and physical injury.

Authorities are investigating whether his past drug use played a role in the attack.

The hospital said it is conducting a "thorough investigation" into the incident while working closely with law enforcement.

"The safety and well-being of our staff and patients remain our top priority," the hospital stressed, adding that counseling services will be provided for affected staff and patients.

"Your understanding and support from the community are truly appreciated as we navigate this tragedy," the statement read.

Police have vowed to build a strong case against Linguis as investigations continue.

Lt. Col. John Kareen Escober, chief of the Tagbilaran City Police Station, said the suspect has sought forgiveness from the victim’s family.

Escober said murder and physical injury charges will be filed against the suspect, who was immediately arrested after the incident.(MyTVCebu)

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• #Bohol
• #Bohol Doctors’ Hospital
• #Marlito Cardines Linguis
• #Patient Stabbing
• #Nurse