BANISILAN, COTABATO — An elderly retired teacher couple was found dead at the back portion of their residence in Purok Matulungin-A, Barangay Poblacion 2, Banisilan, Cotabato, in the early hours of October 4, 2026, in an incident now being investigated as a possible double killing.
The victims were identified by the Banisilan Municipal Police Station as Elsa Bermejo Galeno, 82, and Edwin Daquil Galeno, 81, both retired teachers and longtime residents of the area.
According to the initial police report, neighbors were alerted at around 3:30 a.m. after reportedly hearing repeated cries for help coming from the vicinity of the couple’s residence.
When residents checked the house, they discovered the elderly couple lying at the rear portion of the property, both already unresponsive and showing injuries.
Initial police findings indicated that Elsa sustained a head injury believed to have been caused by a blunt object. Edwin, meanwhile, suffered a head injury and a stab wound to the chest.
A knife and a small wooden club or stick were recovered from the crime scene. Police said the items may have been connected to the incident, although investigators have yet to establish their exact role in the deaths.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. Authorities have not yet identified a suspect or established a definite motive, while investigators continue to examine the crime scene and gather information from residents who may have heard or witnessed anything unusual before the discovery of the bodies.
The suspect reportedly fled the area and remains unidentified.
The Banisilan MPS is continuing its investigation to determine the identity of the person responsible, establish the sequence of events that led to the deaths, and determine the motive behind the attack.
Authorities are also expected to examine available evidence and testimonies as the investigation progresses.
The deaths of the elderly couple have shocked residents of Barangay Poblacion 2, particularly because the victims were both retired educators who had lived in the community.
Police urged anyone with information that could help identify the suspect or clarify what happened before and during the incident to coordinate with the Banisilan Municipal Police Station.