INITA0, MISAMIS ORIENTAL — Police have identified the woman found shot dead in a remote area of Barangay Tubigan, Initao before dawn on Monday, February 16, as Jovy Reyna Lubcubán Esquillo, also known as “Jai Jai,” 31, a solo parent and businesswoman from Aplaya, Jasaan.
Authorities confirmed that Esquillo died from a gunshot wound to the head, while her companion remains in critical condition after sustaining a gunshot wound to the neck.
Body Found in Isolated Area
Residents discovered Esquillo’s lifeless body in Purok 5, Sitio Bunutan, Barangay Tubigan, Initao, in a grassy and secluded area while tending livestock. She was wearing a black blouse, yellow shorts, black socks, and black-and-white slippers at the time she was found.
Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) reported that the fatal wound was on the left side of her head. Two fired cartridge cases were also recovered at the scene, believed to have come from the firearm used in the attack. A paraffin test was conducted on the victim to determine whether she had fired a gun.
Survivor Escapes, Seeks Help
Police said Esquillo’s companion managed to flee despite her injuries and boarded a passing vehicle. She later sought help at a police checkpoint in Libertad, where authorities assisted her and rushed her to a hospital for treatment.
For security reasons, her identity has been withheld, as investigators said she has vital information that could help identify the suspects.
Timeline of Events
According to Jerome Capagnan, chief of the Jasaan Municipal Police Station, the two women were last seen at around 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, boarding a waiting SUV along the National Highway in Aplaya, Jasaan.
Later that night, at around 11:30 p.m., Esquillo reportedly sent a video message to her cousin, showing herself and her companion inside a hotel room.
Before dawn the following day, the suspects allegedly transported the victims to Barangay Tubigan in Initao, where the shooting took place.
Initial Identification, Investigation
Police Major Ronnie Continedo Jr., chief of the Initao Municipal Police Station, said initial identification was based on physical features and personal details, later confirmed by the victim’s family. Earlier, authorities had considered the possibility that the victim was from Cagayan de Oro City, pending verification.
Investigators believe the victims were brought to the crime scene, as residents in the area did not recognize them.
Persons of Interest, Manhunt Launched
The Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office has identified at least two persons of interest in connection with the killing.
Under the directive of Provincial Director Al Abanales, authorities have launched a manhunt operation and intensified intelligence gathering to locate and arrest the suspects.
Police said they are also examining possible motives behind the crime, including personal disputes and other angles, while awaiting the survivor’s recovery so she can formally assist in the investigation.
Community Mourns Victim
Barangay Aplaya Chairman Rizaldy Maghanoy said Esquillo’s remains were retrieved from Initao and brought back to her grandmother’s home in Aplaya, Jasaan, where wake and burial arrangements are being prepared.
Family members and neighbors described Esquillo as a hardworking solo parent who ran a small business to support her child.
Appeal for Information
Authorities urged anyone with information about the suspects, the SUV involved, or the victims’ movements prior to the shooting to coordinate with the nearest police station.
“This was a brutal and calculated attack,” police said. “We are committed to bringing those responsible to justice and ensuring the safety of the surviving victim.”
The investigation remains ongoing.