TALAKAG, Bukidnon – A 17-year-old mother was brutally killed in an apparent rape-slay case while washing clothes at a river in Sitio Nataring, Barangay Dagundalahon, Talakag, Bukidnon, on Sunday, June 28, prompting local authorities to launch an intensive manhunt and the town mayor to offer a cash reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.
The victim, identified only by the alias “Din2x” and a resident of Barangay Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City, succumbed to multiple hacking wounds allegedly inflicted by the suspect, identified as Rolan Boling Tapnayan, also known by the alias “Roy.”
According to the initial investigation by the Talakag Municipal Police Station, the victim had gone to the river with her live-in partner, identified only as “Bob,” to wash clothes.
Police said Bob temporarily left his wife at the river to retrieve something from their house. While returning about 30 minutes later, he noticed Roy repairing his motorcycle near a spillway.
Moments later, upon reaching the riverbank, Bob was horrified to find the suspect allegedly dragging the bloodied victim, who authorities believe he was about to throw into the river in an apparent attempt to conceal the crime.
Upon seeing Bob approach, the suspect reportedly abandoned the victim along the riverbank and fled toward an unknown direction.
The victim was immediately rushed to the Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Talakag but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Police investigators said the victim sustained fatal wounds caused by a bladed weapon, believed to be a bolo. Authorities are also investigating allegations that she was sexually assaulted before she was hacked to death.
The gruesome killing has shocked residents of Talakag and neighboring communities, with many expressing outrage over the brutality of the crime committed against the young mother.
In response, Talakag Municipal Mayor Renz Sulatan Jr. immediately visited the victim’s grieving family to provide initial financial assistance and assured them that the local government would support efforts to bring the perpetrator to justice.
The mayor also announced a reward for anyone who can provide credible information leading to the arrest of the fleeing suspect.
“The reward is intended to expedite the delivery of justice for the victim’s family,” Sulatan said in a Facebook post, while urging the public to cooperate with authorities.
Meanwhile, the Talakag Municipal Police Station has intensified its hot pursuit operations to locate and arrest Tapnayan, who remains at large.
Authorities are appealing to anyone with information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts to immediately coordinate with the nearest police station or contact the Talakag Municipal Police Station.
The investigation remains ongoing as police continue to establish the full circumstances and motive behind the brutal killing.