KIDAPAWAN CITY — Around 500 kilos of rubber latex were stolen from the plantation of local broadcaster and station manager Esther Amores Roque in the early hours of Friday, December 27, 2025, in Sitio Sta. Cruz, Barangay Magsaysay, Kidapawan City.
The rubber farm sits near the residence of Mayor Jose Paolo M. Evangelista. According to a video uploaded by Cherrelyn Andas Bayawan, wife of the farm’s rubber tapper, tire marks of a motorcycle used by the still unidentified suspects were clearly visible at the scene.
Roque said the stolen harvest was supposedly intended to help cover the family’s expenses for the upcoming New Year celebration. The thieves allegedly took the latex ahead of the scheduled harvest, depriving the workers of their expected earnings.
In her public appeal, Roque urged residents and local officials to immediately report any suspicious activity involving the sale or transport of rubber latex, particularly individuals loading rubber without owning a plantation.
“Kung na moy na-hearingan nga nag-load og goma nga walay gomahan — basin mao na ang nangawat sa among gomahan… Naminghoy ang among tapper kay giandam na unta alang sa New Year ang goma, pero aduna diay nauna og panguha,” Roque lamented, adding that the culprits made off with about 500 kilos of latex.
She asked anyone with information to report directly to barangay authorities or to the police to assist in the investigation.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement as of this writing, but concerned residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and help track down those responsible for the theft.