The body of a 69-year-old retired soldier was unearthed in his own backyard in Brgy. Habagatan, Talim Island, Binangonan, Rizal last Thursday. The victim’s nephew has been arrested at the crime scene.
The Binangonan Municipal Police Station, led by Officer-in-Charge PLtCol. Evangeline Santos, initiated the investigation after the victim’s spouse, who resides abroad, reported an inability to contact him. Local residents had complained of a foul odor emanating from the area, leading to the gruesome discovery behind the victim’s house.
“Medyo maliit naman pong hukay, mga hanggang tuhod. Sa tantiya ko po, hindi naman lalagpas ng isa o dalawang oras na paghuhukay,” Santos stated.
The Binangonan police’s visit to the neighboring areas facilitated prompt coordination with local officials. During the excavation at the crime scene, authorities encountered the victim’s nephew, who had previously had a disagreement with the victim on December 26, 2023, the day he was last seen.
The suspect, 31, was arrested on site. Santos suspects the nephew returned to check if the body had been discovered and if any evidence remained.
Investigations revealed the suspect allegedly assaulted his uncle with a wooden object. “Hindi po namin masabi kung gaano karaming beses pinalo. Iyon po ay malalaman siguro natin sa result ng autopsy,” Santos added.
Witnesses reported seeing the suspect hitting the victim with wood. “Noong nangyari po ang insidente… may nakakita noong nagtalo at inaawat po itong suspek natin sa pakikipagtalo sa biktima. Sila po ay natakot kaya sila ay nagtakbuhan na, sila ay tinakot isa-isa ng suspek,” Santos explained.
The suspect, currently detained at Binangonan police station, has refused to comment and faces homicide charges. The arrival of the victim’s spouse for the funeral remains uncertain.
Santos urged the public to practice patience and peaceful resolution to avoid such tragic outcomes. “Iwasan po natin ang init ng ulo. Lahat po ay napag-uusapan at ito po ay hindi nadadaan sa marahas na paraan na hahantong sa kamatayan ng isang tao. Lamig lamang po ng ulo, patience po,” she advised.