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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Cabbie arrested for raping, killing call center agent

Cabbie arrested for raping, killing call center agent

Published Jul 27, 2025 11:00 pm
BACOLOD CITY – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Negros Island Region (CIDG-NIR) arrested a 39-year-old taxi driver in Barangay III, Pontevedra, Negros Occidental on Thursday, six months after allegedly killing and raping a 31-year-old call center agent in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.
THE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Negros Island Region (CIDG-NIR) serves an arrest warrant for rape with homicide against a 39-year-old taxi driver in Barangay III, Pontevedra, Negros Occidental on Thursday, July 24. (Photo via CIDG-NIR FB)
THE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Negros Island Region (CIDG-NIR) serves an arrest warrant for rape with homicide against a 39-year-old taxi driver in Barangay III, Pontevedra, Negros Occidental on Thursday, July 24. (Photo via CIDG-NIR FB)
The suspect, tagged as the third most wanted person in the province, was taken into custody on the strength of an arrest warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 53 in this city on July 7. No bail was recommended for the suspect.
The body of Carl Kimberlyn Degabi, a resident of Barangay Mandalagan here, was discovered on Jan. 12 in Barangay Matab-ang partially naked and with mouth injuries.
Police Major Rhazl Jim Jocson, deputy chief of the Talisay City Police Station, said the suspect was identified after an abandoned taxi linked to the crime was found here a week after Degabi’s body was discovered.
Circumstantial evidence and forensic findings from the taxi, combined with the driver’s sudden disappearance, pointed to his alleged involvement, according to Jocson in a phone interview on Sunday, July 27.
The suspect, who was not the vehicle’s owner, was working under a rental or boundary system, Jocson said.
Degabi reportedly left her home on the night of Jan. 11 without disclosing her destination or who she was meeting.
Police confirmed it was the same taxi she rode before she was found dead.
Following the incident, Jocson said the suspect allegedly fled to La Carlota City and Pulupandan town in Negros Occidental, evading capture until the arrest warrant was issued.
The victim’s family earlier appealed for justice and sought to clear her name after online accusations labeled her a scammer—an angle initially investigated by police but lacked formal complaints.
Police are awaiting further details from CIDG regarding the arrest and ongoing investigation.
P2.6-M used clothes
Meanwhile, police seized 259 bales of “ukay-ukay” or imported used clothes worth an estimated P2.6 million during a raid in Barangay Paniabonan, Mabinay, Negros Oriental on July 24.
A woman was arrested in the operation carried out by the Provincial Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in coordination with the Maritime Police on a search warrant for alleged violation of Republic Act (RA) 4653 that prohibits the commercial importation of used clothing and rags to protect public health and uphold national dignity.
Police found her in possession were clothes without the necessary permits as required by law.
The suspect faces charges before the National Prosecution Service for the illegal sale and distribution of used imported apparel.
The CIDG reminded the public of potential health risks associated with buying second-hands clothes.

Related Tags

Call center agent Rape Murder Deaths Talisay City Pontevedra Negros Occidental Taxi driver
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