BF claims it was accident: CH worker’s throat slashed

CEBU, Philippines - A 41-year-old woman who worked in City Hall was killed after her live-in partner allegedly slashed her neck after a heated argument Sunday evening in their apartment in Barangay Labangon, Cebu City.

Police identified the victim as Yvette Taboada, a government employee in City Hall’s Human Resources Development Office, and the suspect as Ricardo Baguio, 43, an Overseas Filipino Worker.

Senior Police Officer 4 Jaime del Mar, desk officer of the Punta Princesa Police Station, said that Baguio personally surrendered to their station about an hour after he committed the crime.

Del Mar said based on Baguio’s statement they had a heated argument after the victim was convinced he had another woman.

Baguio said they first had an argument after Taboada saw bloodstains in the toilet of their apartment and came to the conclusion he brought another girl there. He said it was not true because the blood came from his gums.

“Nagsugod ang among panaglalis sa dihang nakakita kini og dunay lama sa dugo among pansayan padulong mi ligo ug kini nagtuo nga aduna ko’y gidalang babaye, apan dili kini tinuod, tungod kay ang maong lama bunga sa dugo sa akong ngipon,” he said

Baguio said he thought the argument was finished. However, later after they watched a movie together, Taboada suddenly shouted at him to confess who he brought to the apartment.

Another argument ensued and it escalated. Baguio admitted he took a knife to intimidate Taboada into backing down, but the victim grabbed his hand and allegedly dared him to kill her. He said this was when he slipped and they fell on their bed, causing the victim’s neck to be slashed.

Baguio denied he intended to kill Taboada and said everything was an accident.

Baguio said they had plans to get married after being together for three years now. They are neighbors and childhood friends.

He admitted he used illegal drugs before, but it was a long time ago, and he stopped it after he went abroad to work in Qatar.

Del Mar said they are now preparing a murder case against Baguio.

The relatives of  Taboada do not believe it was an accident. Her eldest daughter, Lianne Alexandra Ramos, who was celebrating her birthday yesterday, said her mother is not the kind to get jealous.

Taboada has worked in the HRDO for seven years.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña said he cannot reveal yet as to what assistance the city government can extend to the family of Taboada.

"City Hall is not a Santa Claus, we have to be accountable for all the money that we spend," he said. — Rowena D. Capistrano and Hannah Tesorio (FREEMAN)