MAWAB, DAVAO DE ORO — A 70-year-old woman was stabbed to death inside her home in Purok 8, Barangay Poblacion, Mawab, Davao de Oro, in a violent incident that police said followed an argument between the victim and her live-in partner on Saturday night, September 5, 2026.
The victim was identified by police and her family as Estrella Dionesio, 70, a widow. Her live-in partner, identified as Virgilio Canja, was also injured in the incident and was brought to a hospital for medical treatment.
According to the Mawab Municipal Police Station, the incident happened at around 8 p.m. inside the couple’s residence. Initial police investigation indicated that the two were engaged in an argument before Virgilio allegedly took a knife and repeatedly stabbed Estrella.
The victim sustained at least seven stab wounds to different parts of her body.
She was immediately rushed to the Davao de Oro Provincial Hospital in Montevista, but was declared dead on arrival.
Police said the suspect also sustained injuries and remained under medical care. Authorities are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, including what triggered the confrontation.
A homicide complaint has reportedly been filed against the suspect before the prosecutor’s office. Police are also investigating the case in relation to Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, based on the circumstances of the incident and the relationship between the victim and the suspect.
Family Seeks Justice
The victim’s death has left her family grieving, particularly because Estrella was allegedly killed by the man with whom she had shared her life for decades.
According to her son, Richard Dionesio, the family is struggling to accept the manner in which their mother died.
Family members said Estrella and Virgilio had been living together for more than 20 years. Richard recalled that his mother had previously left the family to live with Virgilio, a decision that the children eventually accepted despite the difficulties it brought.
The family said they never expected that the same man who had become part of their mother’s life would eventually be accused of taking her life.
One account from the family suggested that jealousy may have figured in the incident, although police have yet to establish the motive and the investigation remains ongoing.
Richard also said the family had no intention of retaliating against the suspect, despite painful memories from the past. Instead, they want the case to be resolved through the proper legal process.
With Estrella now laid to rest in a coffin surrounded by her grieving relatives, the family said their remaining appeal is for justice and accountability.
Police Urge Early Intervention
Authorities reminded the public that violent disputes inside homes can quickly escalate into deadly incidents.
Police urged individuals experiencing escalating domestic conflicts to seek immediate assistance from authorities, barangay officials, or other appropriate support mechanisms rather than allowing confrontations to turn violent.
“Early intervention can save lives,” authorities emphasized.
The Mawab police continue to investigate the case to determine the complete sequence of events, establish the circumstances that led to the stabbing, and determine the appropriate criminal charges against the suspect.