MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon – A cattle owner in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, is seeking justice after his cow was reportedly butchered by unidentified individuals in the early hours of Thursday, July 23, in what residents described as another disturbing case of livestock theft in the municipality.
The incident reportedly occurred in Zone 1, Barangay Sankanan, between 1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., based on information shared by local residents on social media.
According to posts circulating online, the animal, owned by Jurey Baconguis Esgana, was allegedly slaughtered on-site by unidentified suspects, who reportedly carved portions of its meat before fleeing the area. The gruesome incident has sparked outrage among residents, particularly livestock raisers who fear a resurgence of similar crimes.
Photos of the incident were uploaded by Lorey Mae Anlagan, a barangay official, who said the Manolo Fortich Municipal Police Station (MPS) immediately responded and launched an investigation into the reported “laplap” incident—a local term commonly used to describe the illegal butchering or carving of meat from stolen livestock.
In her social media post, Anlagan confirmed that police had already conducted an initial investigation.
“Ang atong kapulisan sa PNP Manolo naghatag dayon ug diretso nga aksyon. Giimbestigahan na ang maong pagpanglapa,” she wrote.
She also warned cattle owners to be extra vigilant following the latest incident.
“Aduna na usab biktima sa laplap. Gihangyo ang mga adunay binuhi nga baka nga magbinantayon na usab kay nitukar napud ang mga walay konsensya nga mga tawo.”
Anlagan lamented the hardships endured by livestock owners, noting that raising cattle requires significant financial investment, time, and labor.
“Ang tag-iya naggasto pagpalit sa baka, naghago pag-atiman, pagtigway ug pag-alima, apan ang mga kawatan basta-basta lamang manghilabot.”
The incident has drawn sympathy from members of the farming community, many of whom rely on cattle as a major source of livelihood. Residents have also expressed concern that the apparent return of livestock theft could threaten the income of farmers and discourage animal raising in rural communities.
As of this writing, the Manolo Fortich Municipal Police Station has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, including whether suspects have been identified or if evidence has been recovered. Authorities are expected to continue their investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the reported butchering and identify those responsible.
Meanwhile, local officials are urging livestock owners to strengthen security measures around their farms and immediately report suspicious activities to the police or barangay authorities as efforts continue to prevent similar incidents in the area.