General Santos City – August 5, 2025 — A 22-year-old man is now behind bars after allegedly raping and repeatedly stabbing his 21-year-old childhood crush inside her own home in Purok Minanga, Barangay Buayan, General Santos City, early Tuesday morning.
The suspect, identified as Arjay Cadungog Villapez, alias “Dodong”, was arrested by the police just hours after the brutal crime. The victim, a fourth-year college student known by the alias “Jean,” is currently recovering at a hospital after sustaining serious stab wounds to her neck, shoulder, and face.
According to Police Major Renato Dungca, chief of Lagao Police Station, the suspect forcibly entered the victim’s room past 3:00 AM. Investigations revealed that Jean was alone, sleeping in her grandmother’s house within their family compound when the assault happened. The suspect reportedly raped the victim before stabbing her multiple times and attempting to flee.
The victim’s mother recounted hearing their dog barking loudly in the middle of the night, prompting her to check outside. To her horror, she found her bloodied daughter being carried by the suspect. Neighbors, awakened by the victim’s cries for help, saw Villapez in the act and rushed to rescue the young woman. The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended shortly after by authorities.
Villapez later confessed to the crime, telling police that he had long harbored feelings for the victim but never dared express them, believing he wasn’t good-looking enough for her. Such a justification has drawn public outrage and condemnation.
“This is not love — this is a deranged act of violence and entitlement. No rejection or unrequited affection can ever justify rape and attempted murder,” said a spokesperson from a local women’s rights group. “We stand with the victim and call for justice to be served swiftly and fully.”
The General Santos City Police Office and local officials have likewise condemned the act, vowing to pursue the case with the full force of the law. Authorities have reminded the public to be vigilant and to report any signs of potential abuse or suspicious behavior in their communities.
The suspect is now detained at the Lagao Police Station and faces charges of rape, frustrated homicide, and violation of the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act. The case has sparked widespread anger on social media, with many calling for greater protection for women and harsher penalties for sexual violence.
As the young victim fights for her recovery, advocates are urging a deeper societal response to the disturbing trend of gender-based violence, especially within neighborhoods where victims should feel safest — in their own homes.