BUTUAN CITY — A 26-year-old laborer was brutally killed after being stabbed at least 25 times while asleep inside the bedroom of his former partner in the early hours of December 19, 2025, in Purok 1, Barangay Obrero, Butuan City.
The victim was identified as Angelito Dumaplin Lasquite, 26, a resident of Purok 8, Molave, Barangay Onyiu. Authorities identified the prime suspect as Aron Dave Tuman Colarat, also 26, who reportedly resides in the same area.
According to police investigation, Lasquite had visited his former partner’s house to celebrate their child’s birthday. While the victim was already asleep inside the room, the suspect allegedly arrived at around 2:10 a.m. and, without any confrontation, repeatedly stabbed Lasquite using a pair of scissors.
Police said the victim sustained 25 stab wounds to different parts of his body. He was rushed to the nearest hospital but was declared dead on arrival by attending physician Dr. David Benedict Robles.
Initial findings indicate that jealousy may have been the motive behind the crime, although authorities stressed that the investigation is still ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the killing.
Personnel of the Langihan Police Station have launched a hot pursuit operation to locate and arrest the suspect, who remains at large as of this writing. Police are also coordinating with nearby communities and reviewing possible leads to hasten the suspect’s capture.
Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could help in the arrest of the suspect, assuring that all leads will be treated with confidentiality as they work to deliver justice for the victim.