COTABATO CITY — Police have arrested one of the suspects in the brutal killing of an LGBTQIA+ community member whose body was found stuffed inside an unused tomb at the Malagapas Public Cemetery in 2025.
The suspect, identified as Narex Kalog Budzal, alias “Narex,” 21, single, and a payong-payong (pedicab) driver, was apprehended around 7:00 p.m. on January 8, 2026 in Zone 4, Barangay Tamontaka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. The arrest was carried out by the tracker team of Cotabato City Police Station 2 led by PCapt. Anuar Mambatao, in coordination with the Cotabato City Police Office and Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station.
Budzal, a resident of Barangay Rosary Heights 10, Cotabato City, was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for murder and robbery with no bail, issued by the Regional Trial Court, 12th Judicial Region, Branch 13, Cotabato City.
Police said Budzal is one of the suspects in the killing of Carla Puti, an LGBTQIA+ member whose body was discovered inside an open tomb at the Malagapas Public Cemetery, Project Site, Barangay Rosary Heights 10, on August 29, 2025.
Brutal Killing Inside Cemetery
Puti, estimated to be around 23 years old, was found at around 4:40 p.m. by a cemetery caretaker who immediately alerted authorities. Responding officers from Police Station 2 and the City Intelligence Unit confirmed the gruesome discovery.
Initial investigation revealed that the victim sustained severe injuries to the face, head, and neck, believed to have been inflicted using a hard object. Police noted signs of possible torture before the killing. The victim’s body was found stuffed inside an unused tomb, wearing blue pants, a black sleeveless shirt, and with blonde hair.
At the time, then-Station 2 Commander PMaj. Teofisto “Jun” Ferrer Jr. said at least three individuals were suspected in the crime. Robbery was initially eyed as the primary motive, though investigators continued to probe other possible angles.
Authorities also disclosed that the victim had recently been released from the Cotabato City Jail on charges related to human trafficking prior to the killing.
Case Moving Forward
Following his arrest, Budzal was brought to the jail facility of Cotabato City Police Station 2 and is now set to face court proceedings.
Police said the arrest marks a major breakthrough in the case and reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing the remaining suspects to ensure justice for the victim.
Authorities continue to appeal to the public for information that may help locate and arrest other individuals involved in the crime.
“This arrest sends a strong message that no matter how long it takes, we will continue to pursue those responsible for heinous crimes,” police said.