DAVAO CITY — The suspect behind the brutal killing of bakery saleslady Vicmarie Licena in Barangay Matina Aplaya claimed that financial hardship and his child’s illness pushed him to commit the robbery that ended in murder.
Police identified the suspect as Renie, also known as “Renren,” a 32-year-old laborer from Luganit, Malita, Davao Occidental, who had been temporarily residing near the bakery. He was arrested just minutes after the crime through the swift response of the Ecoland Police Station and alert residents.
In an interview with PCapt. Hazel Caballero Tuazon, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), said the suspect admitted that he intended to rob the bakery to buy medicine for his sick child. However, Tuazon emphasized that no personal struggle can justify such an act.
“Bisan unsa nga problema ang atong atubangon, dili ta muresulta sa pagpatay (No matter what problems we face, we must never resort to killing),” Tuazon said during a press conference.
Police investigation revealed that the suspect first tried to borrow money from his co-workers but failed. Desperate, he climbed into the Pan de Pane Bakery at around 2:30 a.m. on October 8 and confronted Licena, who was working the night shift. The victim is believed to have resisted, leading Renie to repeatedly strike her head with a hammer.
The suspect fled with only ₱1,500, but quick coordination between residents and authorities led to his immediate arrest in Norton Village, still within Matina Aplaya. He now faces charges of robbery with homicide.
Licena, 37, a resident of NHA Relocation, Bangkal, Davao City, was found lifeless inside the bakery’s comfort room, soaked in blood from severe head injuries. Her remains are now laid at their church in Bangkal as her family, friends, and co-workers grieve her loss.
DCPO lauded the vigilance of the community, saying the residents’ prompt action was crucial in solving the case swiftly. Authorities also reminded the public that while life’s hardships can be overwhelming, resorting to crime only deepens the tragedy.