ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL — Authorities have arrested the suspect in the gruesome killing of a couple in Babak, Samal Island — an active CAFGU (CAA) of Task Force Samal, according to Mayor Lemuel “Toto” Reyes on Friday, October 17, 2025.
The victims, Jonathan and Pearl Prado, were found dead inside their rented home in Zone 6, Barangay Villarica, their bodies riddled with stab wounds. Initial findings also revealed that Pearl showed signs of sexual assault before being killed.
According to investigators, the crime occurred around 1:00 a.m. on October 17, while the arrest took place later in the afternoon, around 5:00 p.m., during a hot pursuit operation conducted by the Samal City Police.
The couple’s two-year-old son was discovered alive and unharmed inside the house.
Jonathan was a head guard at NCCC Mall in Davao City and also a former pastor. He was a native of Barangay Estado, Matalam, Cotabato, and lived in Babak with his wife and child.
Mayor Reyes, who earlier offered a ₱100,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest, praised the Samal City Police for their swift and decisive response that resulted in the capture of the perpetrator.
“The suspect is an active personnel of Task Force Samal. Justice must be served swiftly for the victims,” Mayor Reyes said in his official post.
Police are now preparing criminal charges against the suspect while continuing the investigation into the motive behind the brutal crime.