SURALLAH, South Cotabato — A couple who were reportedly preparing for their upcoming wedding were brutally killed inside their home late Thursday night, April 30, in what authorities believe was a crime driven by jealousy.
Police identified the victims by their aliases “Nene,” 55, and her live-in partner “Boboy,” 72, a laborer and resident of Barangay Colongulo, Surallah. The suspect, identified as alias “Tonton,” 48, a farmer and the woman’s former live-in partner, is now in police custody facing double murder charges.
According to the Surallah Municipal Police Station, the victims were resting inside their house in Purok Malipayon, Barangay Moloy, at around 11:00 p.m. when the suspect allegedly forced his way in and launched a sudden, violent attack.
Investigators said both victims sustained multiple stab wounds in different parts of their bodies, resulting in their immediate deaths. The gruesome crime was only discovered the following morning, May 1, prompting authorities to launch a manhunt operation.
Police, in coordination with members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT), tracked down the suspect within 24 hours. He was apprehended in Purok Maligaya, Barangay Dajay, Surallah, at around 12:20 a.m. on May 1.
Authorities also recovered a bolo believed to have been used in the killing.
Initial findings point to jealousy as the primary motive, as the suspect was reportedly the former partner of “Nene,” who had since moved on and was set to marry her current partner next month.
The identities of the victims were withheld beyond their aliases for security and privacy reasons.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the quiet community, with residents expressing fear and outrage over the brutal nature of the attack. Calls for justice have intensified as the victims’ families and neighbors mourn the loss of the couple whose plans for a future together were cut short.
Police said a thorough investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the killings, while ensuring that justice is served for the victims.