Norala, South Cotabato – A tragic domestic violence incident shocked the quiet community of Barangay San Miguel on the evening of June 27, 2025, after a husband allegedly killed his wife before attempting to take his own life in what police suspect was a case driven by jealousy.
The Norala Municipal Police Station (MPS), led by PCMS Jerry S. Lechugas, immediately responded to a distress call received at around 8:35 PM from Barangay Captain Ryan Cabrera Januto, reporting a slashing incident in the area. Responding officers arrived on-site at around 9:00 PM and confirmed the report.
The suspect, identified only as “Larry,” a 47-year-old farmer and resident of Barangay San Miguel, was found wounded but alive at the scene. His wife, known by the alias “Gena,” 36, was also discovered with a deep slash wound on the right side of her neck. Both were rushed to the Norala District Hospital for medical attention. Gena, however, was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician, while Larry remains hospitalized under police custody.
According to the couple’s child, the incident occurred around 8:30 PM, shortly after Larry arrived home from making charcoal. He reportedly confronted Gena, which escalated into a heated argument. Gena attempted to wrest a bolo (locally known as lagaraw) from her husband, but he managed to regain control of the weapon. In a fit of rage, Larry allegedly pulled Gena’s head and slashed her throat, causing her to collapse. He then used the same weapon to inflict a wound on his own neck before falling beside her.
Authorities have sent Gena’s body to a funeral home for post-mortem examination. The suspect, while wounded, is not in critical condition and remains under close monitoring.
Police are currently investigating jealousy as the possible motive behind the fatal attack.
This incident adds to the growing concern over domestic violence in rural communities, prompting calls for stronger mental health and family intervention support systems in the region.