TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte (July 10, 2025) — Two male minors have been arrested in connection with the horrific killing of 19-year-old University of the Philippines Manila student Sophia Coquilla, whose mutilated body was discovered early morning of July 9 inside their family home in Barangay La Filipina, Tagum City.
The senseless brutality of the crime — marked by 38 stab wounds and the use of multiple weapons — has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for swift justice. The suspects, both underage, were apprehended less than 24 hours after the murder during a raid at a boarding house, where authorities also recovered several of the victim’s stolen belongings.
Recovered items include an Apple laptop, an iPad, a damaged iPhone, and two wristwatches. Investigators also seized a blood-stained butterfly knife and kitchen knife believed to have been used in the deadly attack. Other bloodied objects, including a dumbbell and a scissor-type grass cutter, were found at the crime scene.
Sophia’s father made the grim discovery around 5:30 AM when he noticed her room was in disarray. Her lifeless body, partially hidden under a blanket, was found on the second floor of their home. The incident is being investigated as a case of robbery with homicide, based on the missing valuables and excessive violence used in the attack.
Police confirmed that two other suspects, believed to have acted with the arrested minors, remain at large. A hot pursuit operation is ongoing.
“This is a deeply disturbing and heinous crime that claimed the life of a promising young woman,” said Davao del Norte Police Provincial Director PCOL Alexander R. Serrano Jr., who personally visited the scene and spoke with the grieving family. “We assure the public that our investigators are working tirelessly to identify and bring all perpetrators to justice.”
The arrested minors are now under the custody of the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), in accordance with protocols for child offenders, while all recovered items have been turned over to the General Investigation Section for proper handling and forensic examination.
PCOL Serrano urged the public to cooperate with authorities by sharing any information that may lead to the capture of the remaining suspects.
Sophia Coquilla’s tragic death has left the community in deep mourning and rage. Citizens, women’s rights groups, and student organizations have decried the crime as an appalling act of violence that demands urgent justice.
“This is not just a crime — it is an atrocity,” said one neighbor. “She was a bright, kind-hearted student with a future. Her life was taken in the most horrific way imaginable.”
As investigations continue, the public awaits justice for Sophia — and for the accountability of everyone involved in what is now one of the most chilling crimes to shake Tagum City in recent memory.