CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City β Two male individuals wanted for the murder of a 24-year-old pageant contender in Cagayan de Oro City were arrested in separate operations on July 3, 2025, in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.
The joint manhunt operation was conducted by personnel of the Pagadian City Police Station, Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office, and the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, Police Regional Office 10.
The two accused, aged 35 and 37, both residents of Pagadian City, were arrested at 6:38 PM and 8:22 PM, respectively. The arrests were made by virtue of a Warrant of Arrest for the crime of Murder, docketed under Criminal Case No. R-CDO-23-03341-CR dated July 3, 2025, with no bail bond recommended.
Accordingly, the 37-year-old accused is a former BuCor personnel, while the 35-year-old is a nurse. Both are allegedly involved in a gun-for-hire, which is still subject to validation.
The 24-year-old contestant in the Mr. Cagayan De Oro pageant, a resident of Brgy. Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, was shot in the back of the head by an unidentified suspect on 13th St., Brgy. Nazareth, this city. The victim was pronounced dead by a doctor at around 12:30 a.m. on May 10, 2023, due to severe brain injury from a bullet wound.
The arrested individuals are now under the custody of PS9, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, for proper disposition.
PBGEN ROLINDO M SUGUILON, Regional Director, PRO10, commended the successful coordination between the involved police units in apprehending the accused.
βThe arrest of the accused behind this heinous crime stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice by our police personnel. I commend the seamless coordination and strong partnership among our units in Regions 10 and 9, which made this breakthrough possible. Let this serve as a strong warning to anyone who would take another personβs life: you cannot hide from the law,β he said.
PRO10 reiterates its commitment to ensuring peace and security in Northern Mindanao through proactive law enforcement operations and strengthened collaboration with other units nationwide.
SOURCE: RPIO PRO10
