ILOILO CITY — A disturbing killing in Iloilo City is under investigation after an 18-year-old man was found bound to a tree with severe stab wounds in Barangay Calaparan, Arevalo district, on Sunday night, August 30.
The victim, identified by Panay News as Aaron Bacolinao, was discovered after authorities received a report from a concerned resident who heard cries for help. He was found tied to a tree in Zone 10 of the barangay and was rushed to the Western Visayas Medical Center.
Bacolinao later died from his injuries shortly after midnight on August 31.
According to reports from GMA News, ABS-CBN News and Panay News, police subsequently arrested two individuals in connection with the incident: an 18-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman. Authorities are investigating their alleged roles in the killing.
Victim reportedly identified his attacker
Police said Bacolinao was still conscious when responding authorities reached him and was reportedly able to identify the person he believed was responsible for the attack.
Iloilo City Police Office director Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla said the 18-year-old suspect and the victim were allegedly in a relationship.
Investigators are looking into the circumstances surrounding their meeting that night, including claims that the two had previously agreed to meet in the same area.
Panay News reported that police believe the victim had previously agreed to be tied to the tree during encounters in exchange for P1,000. On the night of the incident, however, an argument allegedly broke out after the suspect said he did not have money to give him.
Police said the victim allegedly threatened the suspect, after which the suspect reportedly attacked him while he was still tied to the tree. These details remain allegations contained in the ongoing police investigation.
Second suspect also arrested
Authorities also arrested a 19-year-old woman who police believe may have supplied the bladed weapon used in the attack.
According to Police Colonel Parilla, investigators are examining whether the killing was planned and are looking into the circumstances surrounding an alleged meeting between the two suspects before the attack.
Panay News reported that police were preparing murder charges against the suspects as of its latest report. The allegations have yet to be tested in court, and the suspects remain entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence.
Police continue probing the motive
The case has raised questions about what led to the fatal confrontation and whether the attack was deliberately planned.
Police are continuing to gather evidence and establish the exact sequence of events leading to Bacolinao’s death.
While early accounts provide a possible explanation for the killing, authorities have not yet concluded the investigation. The full circumstances and motive will ultimately depend on the evidence gathered by investigators and the proceedings that follow.
The case remains under investigation by the Iloilo City Police Office.
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