University student stabbed 38 times in Philippines
Sophia Marie Coquilla, a freshman journalism student at the University of the Philippines Diliman, was found dead in her bedroom in Purok 3-A, La Filipina, on July 9.
According to Filipino news website Rappler.com, Sophia was alone when suspects allegedly broke into the house.
Initial investigations suggest robbery as the likely motive, with several of her personal belongings recovered during follow-up operations.
Police have arrested four suspects, including at least one minor. One was apprehended in Davao City in possession of an unlicensed firearm and several items linked to the victim.
The suspects were identified through CCTV footage obtained near Sophia's residence, said Tagum police chief Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Deles.
He said a 17-year-old suspect confessed to the killing, stating that he and another accomplice took turns stabbing the victim after she woke up during the break-in.
"She saw their faces, and they panicked," Deles said, adding that the suspects were believed to be under the influence of alcohol at the time.
Davao del Norte police chief Colonel Alexander Serrano Jr said investigations are ongoing with the assistance of forensic and intelligence units.
"We are working closely with crime scene officers, and follow-up operations are continuing," he said.
Authorities confirmed that most of the suspects are underage.
Under Philippine law, individuals under 15 are exempt from criminal liability, while those aged 15 to 18 can only be prosecuted if found to have acted with discernment.
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