DAVAO CITY — A 35-year-old caretaker was found dead, drenched in blood and riddled with stab wounds inside the warehouse he was guarding in Times Beach, Ecoland Drive, Matina Aplaya on Friday morning, December 5, 2025.
Authorities identified the victim as Ramonito Arcenal Mandawe, a resident of Purok 5, Seawall, Bucana, Davao City.
According to the Ecoland Police Station, the grim discovery was first reported by the warehouse owner, George de Castro, who alerted authorities after being informed that his caretaker was found lifeless. The victim’s co-worker, Joseph Paguyan Gumabao, 48, recounted that upon arriving at the warehouse at around 7:00 a.m., he noticed the gate was unusually open. When he went inside, he was shocked to find Mandawe lying on the floor, bloodied, half-naked, and covered with multiple stab wounds. Beside him was his pet cat, and a knife believed to be the murder weapon.
Initial findings revealed no signs of theft. The victim’s belongings—including his cellphone—remained untouched. Instead, investigators noted clear indications of forced entry. The door to the victim’s sleeping quarters had been forcibly opened, and a section of the warehouse’s barbed wire fencing showed signs of having been tampered with, suggesting the suspect may have climbed in before fleeing through the gate.
Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) conducted a parallel investigation and collected physical evidence, while police continue to track leads that could identify the killer. Officers believe the attack was deliberate and personal.
“Based on initial assessment, we are looking at personal grudge as a possible motive,” police said, adding that they have yet to rule out other angles.
Authorities are now closely reviewing the victim’s background, possible disputes, and individuals who may have had access to the warehouse.
The brutal killing has rattled the community in Times Beach, with residents calling for swift justice as investigators work to piece together the events leading to Mandawe’s death. Police urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward as the manhunt for the perpetrator continues.