A 19-year-old University of the Philippines Manila student was robbed and brutally killed by four individuals in Barangay La Filipina, Tagum City, Davao del Norte on Wednesday, July 9.
The victim, identified as Sophia Coquilla, was on vacation when the incident occurred. She sustained 38 stab wounds, police said.
Two minor suspects were arrested on Thursday, July 10, less than 24 hours after the robbery-slaying.
Coquilla was found lifeless and covered with a blanket inside her room. A grass cutter, a bolo, a dumbbell, and a handkerchief allegedly used by the suspects in killing the victim were recovered in the room.
Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office chief Police Col. Alexander R. Serrano Jr. said the robbery with homicide incident occurred at around 5 a.m.
Police launched an investigation and pursuit operation based on information provided by an eyewitness and a reliable informant, resulting in the apprehension of two of the four suspects.
A closes-circuit television camera in the house caught the suspects fleeing.
Recovered from the suspects were the victim’s belongings – Apple laptop, iPad, a destroyed iPhone, and two wristwatches – and a bloodstained “balisong” or butterfly knife and kitchen knife believed to have been used in killing the victim.
Serrano said manhunt operations are ongoing against the two remaining suspects.
The minor suspects were turned over to the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) for appropriate intervention.
Pieces of evidence were taken to the General Investigation Section for documentation and proper disposition.
Serrano lauded the swift and coordinated response of operating units.
An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Family, friends, classmates, and her high school batch mates mourned and appealed for swift justice for her death. (Tristan Lozano)
