TULUNAN, Cotabato — Shock and fear gripped Minapan National High School on Thursday afternoon, January 15, after the lifeless body of a 47-year-old woman was discovered inside the school’s library, prompting a massive manhunt against a security guard identified as the primary suspect.
The victim was identified by the Tulunan Municipal Police Station (TMPS) as Mary Ann Jacobo Gardose, also known as “May Ann,” a resident of Barangay Bagontapay, M’lang, Cotabato.
Police said Gardose was found sprawled on the library floor with visible bruises on her arms, indicating she had been assaulted before she died.
Police Major Rolando Longakit Dillera Jr., OIC Chief of Police of Tulunan, said the discovery triggered an immediate investigation, with initial findings pointing to Wilson Toriño, a school security guard, as the main suspect.
“The suspect fled after the incident and is now the subject of an intensive manhunt operation,” Dillera said.
Education officials confirmed that Gardose was neither a student nor a teacher of the school.
Cotabato Schools Division Superintendent Romelito Flores clarified that the victim was an outsider, heightening concerns over security protocols inside school premises.
Possible Motive, Special Tracker Team Formed
According to information from a reliable source, which is still being validated by police, Gardose was allegedly hired by the suspect to give him a massage. Investigators are now determining whether a personal dispute, altercation, or other form of abuse occurred before the killing.
A special tracker team has been formed to locate Toriño, who authorities believe is still within the province. Police, together with barangay officials in neighboring areas, are now combing possible hideouts and monitoring exit points to prevent the suspect’s escape.
Autopsy, CCTV Review Underway
The victim’s body has been brought to a funeral home and is scheduled for autopsy at the Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Tulunan to determine the exact cause of death and to check for possible sexual abuse or additional injuries.
Investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage in and around the school to establish the suspect’s movements and reconstruct the events leading to Gardose’s death.
Police Appeal for Public Help
Authorities are urging the public to immediately report any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect.
“We appeal to anyone who has seen the suspect or has relevant information to contact the Tulunan PNP hotline at 0950-025-3688,” Dillera said.
The brutal killing inside a school campus has sparked outrage and alarm among residents, raising serious questions about safety in educational institutions.
Police vowed to pursue all leads to ensure swift justice for the victim.