ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat — A 17-year-old student died after allegedly being strangled inside a boarding house in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, on October 24, 2026, prompting police to arrest her 19-year-old live-in partner the following morning.
The suspect, identified in police reports by the aliases “Jay,” “Nor,” and “Marcella,” was arrested at around 8:30 a.m. on October 25 following a hot-pursuit operation by personnel of the Isulan Municipal Police Station, according to the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12).
The victim, identified by the alias “Marie,” was a resident of Barangay Villamor in the municipality of Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat. She was reportedly living with the suspect at Garcia Boarding House along Cuello Street, Purok Bagong Silang, Barangay Kalawag 2, in Isulan when the incident occurred.
Initial reports indicated that the victim was brought to Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital after the incident but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Suspect allegedly admitted involvement
Investigators learned that a relative of the victim had called her mobile phone before the incident was reported. The suspect allegedly answered the call and admitted having a role in the young woman’s death.
In a separate account of the initial investigation, a witness identified as the suspect’s parent reportedly said the suspect acknowledged his involvement in the incident but claimed that what happened was not intentional.
The suspect allegedly fled to an undisclosed location after the incident, prompting police to launch a pursuit operation that led to his arrest the next day.
Police have not publicly established all the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and prepare the appropriate charges for filing before the prosecution office.
The suspect remains in police custody pending the necessary legal proceedings. His alleged involvement remains subject to the investigation and judicial process.
Police call for accountability
PRO-12 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Alan B. Manibog emphasized the importance of a prompt police response and a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death and ensure accountability under the law.
The case highlights the serious risks posed by violence in intimate relationships, particularly involving young people. However, investigators must establish the complete sequence of events and the applicable criminal liability through evidence and due process.
Authorities have yet to disclose further details about the events immediately preceding the victim’s death.