CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A 26-year-old man described by authorities and the victim’s family as a drug user and online gambling addict is now facing a murder charge after he allegedly stabbed his own first cousin at least 15 times, killing her in a brutal attack witnessed by her young child in Barangay Agusan.
The suspect, identified as Reynald “Kentoy” Pizaña, a native of Cabanglasan, Bukidnon and currently residing in Zone 2, Hilltop, Agusan, is accused of fatally attacking 25-year-old Mariel, also a native of Cabanglasan, who had been living in Zone 3, Upper Agusan.
Based on initial police investigation, the incident occurred inside the victim’s residence, where she was repeatedly stabbed with a bladed weapon. Authorities said the victim sustained around 15 stab wounds in different parts of her body, ultimately causing her death.
According to PSMSgt. Charlie Ganzan, investigators are continuing to dig deeper to establish the exact motive behind the gruesome killing. However, initial findings suggest that the suspect had been borrowing money from the victim prior to the incident.
The victim’s husband, who was in the city proper at the time of the attack, was not present during the incident. Tragically, the couple’s 7-year-old child witnessed the stabbing and was the one who cried out for help, alerting neighbors to the ongoing violence.
Further accounts revealed that the suspect frequently visited the victim’s home to ask for money, allegedly to support his vices, including illegal drug use and online gambling activities such as “scatter.” It is believed that the suspect may have been angered after being refused financial assistance, which possibly triggered the deadly assault.
Following the incident, the suspect was later found with a stab wound in his abdomen while on board his motorcycle. He was rushed to the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) where he is currently receiving treatment under police custody.
Authorities are still determining whether the injury was self-inflicted or caused by another individual. Barangay watchmen who were able to speak with the suspect said he initially claimed that he was stabbed by a certain individual identified only as “James.” However, investigators have yet to verify this claim.
The blood-stained clothing worn by the suspect during the incident was recovered in the area and is now part of the evidence being examined by authorities.
Police emphasized that the case has been formally filed as murder, citing the brutality of the attack and the number of stab wounds inflicted on the victim.
The killing has shocked residents of the community, particularly due to the close relationship between the suspect and the victim, as well as the traumatic experience endured by the young child who witnessed the crime.
Authorities assured the public that a thorough investigation is ongoing to ensure justice for the victim and to uncover all circumstances surrounding the incident.