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New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- New Straits Times
University student stabbed 38 times in Philippines
MANILA: A 19-year-old university student was brutally murdered after being stabbed 38 times in her home in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, last week. 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 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.
Saudi Gazette
16-03-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Thousands march in Davao City demanding Duterte's release from ICC detention
MANILA — Around 20,000 people took to the streets of Davao City on Sunday, turning the city's 88th founding anniversary celebration into a massive demonstration calling for the release and return of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently on trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity during his war on drugs. Supporters chanted for Duterte's return as they marched through his hometown, where he previously served as mayor. The event included a prayer rally at Rizal Park, near city hall, according to Duterte, who was transported to The Hague on Wednesday following his arrest at Manila International Airport upon arrival from Hong Kong, is accused of overseeing thousands of extrajudicial killings during his presidency's anti-drug campaign. Despite his detention, the former president is contesting for Davao's mayorship in May's local elections, seeking a second term after a 22-year gap. Duterte appeared before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber One on Friday via video link for his initial hearing. Presided over by Judge Julia Antoanella Motoc, the session was a procedural step rather than a trial, aimed at confirming Duterte's identity, informing him of his rights, formally presenting the charges, and setting a date for the confirmation of charges hearing. Through his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, the former president reassured his supporters, telling them to remain calm. Addressing Filipino supporters gathered outside the ICC premises, Sara Duterte said she had visited her father at the detention facility before his appearance. 'He said, tell them: 'Just relax. There is an end to everything. There is a day of reckoning,'' she conveyed in Filipino. Duterte is accused of crimes against humanity related to his bloody war on drugs, which saw 6,252 people killed in police anti-drug operations during his presidency from 2016 to 2022. Human rights groups claim that at least 27,000 people were victims of vigilante-style killings linked to his anti-narcotics campaign. — Agencies
