MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — The man identified by police as the primary suspect in the brutal killing of a 22-year-old LGBTQIA+ college student in Malaybalay City has been arrested after allegedly attempting to stab one of the officers sent to apprehend him during a follow-up operation in Kalilangan, Bukidnon, early Thursday morning, August 6.
The suspect, 19 years old, was arrested at around 12:56 a.m. in Sitio Sabang, Barangay Central Poblacion, Kalilangan, Bukidnon, following a joint follow-up operation conducted by personnel of the Kalilangan Municipal Police Station and the Malaybalay City Police Station.
According to police, authorities received intelligence information indicating that the suspect had been hiding in the area after allegedly fleeing in the wake of the killing of Neilbert Donggo Benito, popularly known as “Betty,” a 22-year-old LGBTQIA+ member and Office Administration student at the Mindanao Arts and Technological Institute (MATI).
Benito’s lifeless body was discovered on the morning of July 27 in Purok 7, Barangay 1 Heights, near the Folk Arts area in Malaybalay City, bearing severe head injuries believed to have been inflicted with a hard object. Investigators also noted disturbing circumstances at the crime scene, including the victim’s partially removed clothing, prompting authorities to examine all possible angles surrounding the killing.
The gruesome crime shocked the local community and sparked widespread calls for justice from family members, friends, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Suspect Allegedly Attacked Arresting Officer
Police said that during the operation, officers approached the suspect to question him over an alleged violation of the area’s curfew ordinance. However, instead of peacefully complying, the suspect allegedly pulled out a hunting knife and attempted to stab one of the arresting officers.
The officer was able to evade the attack, while the rest of the operating team immediately subdued and arrested the suspect before anyone was injured.
Authorities recovered the hunting knife believed to have been used in the attempted assault against the police officer.
Multiple Criminal Charges Filed
Following his arrest, the suspect is now facing multiple criminal charges, including:
- Murder in connection with the killing of Neilbert Donggo Benito;
- Direct Assault for allegedly attacking a law enforcement officer during the arrest; and
- Illegal Possession of a Deadly Weapon.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue gathering additional evidence to strengthen the murder case and determine the complete circumstances and motive behind the killing.
Breakthrough in High-Profile Murder Case
The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the investigation that began after Benito’s body was discovered on July 27.
Earlier investigations by the Malaybalay City Police Station, supported by witness statements and evidence collected by investigators and Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO), led authorities to identify the 19-year-old suspect as the primary person of interest. A hot pursuit operation was immediately launched, culminating in his arrest in neighboring Kalilangan.
Before the suspect’s capture, Benito’s family had publicly appealed for justice, describing the killing as one of the most devastating tragedies their family had ever experienced.
Authorities have yet to disclose a possible motive behind the crime, emphasizing that the investigation remains active and that additional information will be released as the case progresses through the judicial process.
Police likewise encouraged anyone with information that may further aid the investigation to coordinate with the Malaybalay City Police Station.