Valencia City, Bukidnon – September 7, 2025
A 34-year-old man died after sustaining severe injuries in a confrontation with his wife at a construction site in Purok 6, Barangay Laligan, Valencia City, on Saturday afternoon, September 6.
The victim, identified as Junard Recto, a resident of Pangantucan, Bukidnon, was rushed to Adventist Medical Center by rescue responders but later succumbed to his injuries. His wife, Cherry Mae Recto, also 34 and a resident of Cabanglasan, is now under police custody.
According to Barangay Kagawad John Brian Feranil, who was among the first to respond, the altercation occurred past 4:20 p.m. when the husband allegedly confronted his wife, who was then operating a backhoe at the site. Both were employed as equipment operators but were assigned to different areas, with Cherry Mae stationed in Barangay Laligan and her husband in San Fernando.
Initial accounts suggest that Junard suddenly appeared at the site and allegedly assaulted his wife, pulling and kicking her. In an attempt to defend herself, Cherry Mae locked herself inside the backhoe and used the equipment’s bucket as a shield while her husband reportedly hurled stones, breaking its window.
At one point, Junard stumbled and was accidentally struck by the moving backhoe bucket, causing severe injuries to his legs, with one nearly severed. Despite immediate medical attention, he was later declared dead.
Valencia City Police Chief PLtCol. Bryan Panganiban confirmed that investigators are considering self-defense as a possible angle, citing that Junard had previously served jail time for physically assaulting his wife.
Cherry Mae insisted she did not intend to hit her husband with the heavy equipment, saying she panicked during the attack. She remains detained at the Valencia City Police Station while authorities await possible charges from the victim’s family.
Police said the case may be filed as homicide, pending further investigation and witness testimonies.