UP Manila student robbed, killed in Tagum City
Police: 2 minor suspects caught in pursuit operation
Published Jul 10, 2025 08:57 am
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Updated Jul 10, 2025 04:57 pm
A 19-year-old University of the Philippines Manila student was robbed and killed by four individuals in Barangay La Filipina, Tagum City, Davao del Norte on Wednesday, July 9.
Police identified the victim as Sophia Coquilla, who was on vacation when she was slain. She sustained 38 stab wounds in her body.
Coquilla was found lifeless and covered with a blanket inside her room. A grass cutter, a bolo, a dumbbell, and a handkerchief allegedly used by the suspects in killing the victim were recovered in the room.
Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office chief Police Col. Alexander R. Serrano Jr. said the robbery with homicide incident occurred at around 5 a.m.
Serrano said they launched an immediate investigation and pursuit operation, aided by information provided by an eyewitness and a reliable informant, that led to the apprehension of two male minor suspects in a boarding house in Tagum City on Thursday, July 10, less than 24 hours after the incident.
A closes-circuit television camera in the house caught the suspects fleeing.
Recovered from the suspects were the victim’s belongings – Apple laptop, iPad, a destroyed iPhone, and two wristwatches – and a bloodstained “balisong” or butterfly knife and kitchen knife believed to have been used in killing the victim.
Serrano said manhunt operations are ongoing against the two remaining suspects.
COQUILLA (FB)
The minor suspects were turned over to the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) for appropriate intervention.
Pieces of evidence were taken to the General Investigation Section for documentation and proper disposition.
Serrano lauded the swift and coordinated response of operating units.
“This operation is a clear demonstration of DNPPO’s swift and unwavering commitment to justice. We will not rest until all those responsible are held accountable,” he said.
An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Family, friends, classmates, and her high school mourned and appealed for swift justice for her death.