DAVAO CITY — A routine morning at an auto shop in Calinan District turned violent after a man stabbed a mother and her son, triggering a police–military manhunt that ended with the suspect’s death on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
The stabbing occurred past 11:00 a.m. at Bobby Auto Shop in Purok 6, Calinan. Police identified the victims as Marian Dagaang Salarde and her son, Igreian Boy Salarda, 26, both residents of Purok 6, Riverside.
The suspect was identified as Eljhon Quiñunes Cahiles, 43, of Purok 2, Barangay Riverside, Calinan District.
Altercation Escalates to Violence
According to the Calinan Police Station’s investigation, Cahiles suddenly appeared at the auto shop armed with a knife. Sensing danger, Igreian grabbed a metal pipe to defend himself.
Before the stabbing, the suspect and the younger Salarda were reportedly engaged in a heated argument. Police said Igreian struck Cahiles on the nape, causing the suspect to momentarily stagger. However, Igreian lost balance, giving Cahiles the opportunity to lunge forward and stab him three times.
Seeing her son being attacked, Marian grabbed another pipe and struck the suspect. Cahiles then turned to her and stabbed her in the back.
Suspect Flees; Police and Soldiers in Pursuit
After the attack, Cahiles fled on foot toward Purok 2. An employee of the auto shop immediately alerted authorities, while others rushed the injured mother and son to the hospital.
At the same time, soldiers from the Task Force Davao who were patrolling nearby were flagged down by witnesses and joined the police in pursuing the suspect.
Authorities traced Cahiles to the house of his father-in-law. When ordered to surrender, he allegedly refused and attempted to stab one of the TF-Davao soldiers. This prompted the soldier to fire his issued R4 A3 Carbine rifle in self-defense.
Despite being shot, Cahiles managed to run for about 350 meters before he was cornered. Police recovered the knife used in the attack.
Suspect Pronounced Dead
Cahiles was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead around 1:00 p.m. the same day.
SOCO investigators recovered three spent shells of 5.56mm ammunition from the scene. The soldier involved and the issued firearm were placed under police custody as part of standard procedure.
Police continue to investigate the motive behind the confrontation while the victims remain under medical treatment.