New Bataan, Davao de Oro — A murder suspect was arrested following a swift hot pursuit operation conducted by law enforcement authorities in Barangay Cabinuangan on the evening of April 5, 2025.
The arrest took place at around 8:00 PM, after combined operatives from the New Bataan Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Davao de Oro Provincial Intelligence Office, with the support of barangay officials, tracked down the suspect at a residence in the area. He was immediately taken into custody and is currently detained at the New Bataan MPS detention facility.
Police investigators are finalizing the necessary documentation for the filing of a murder charge through an inquest proceeding at the Provincial Prosecution Office.
The arrest is linked to the earlier discovery of a foreign national who was found dead under suspicious circumstances in the same municipality.
Authorities confirmed that the victim, 68-year-old Belgian national Marc Van Cutsem, was discovered lifeless inside a rented home in Purok 3, Barangay Andap, on April 5. Van Cutsem, a married pensioner, was reportedly found in unclear circumstances, and police are still investigating the motive behind the killing.
The Davao de Oro Police Provincial Office commended the rapid response of its personnel and the assistance of the local community. Law enforcement officials reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and order and ensuring that those who pose threats to public safety are held accountable under the law.