Police checking cult-like killing in Danao, Lapu-Lapu

CEBU, Philippines — Police are validating reports that the “cult-like” killing in Danao City has reached nearby towns following a similar murder of a 16-year-old student whose body was found half-naked with face skinned to the bone.

Cebu Provincial Police Office director Senior Superintendent Manuel Abrugena told reporters in a press conference that there is no evidence yet linking the two incidents although there is a probability that these were connected.

 “There is probability pero wala pang evidence na makoko-connect yung pangyayari sa Danao at yung lately sa Lapu-Lapu City,” he said. (There is a probability but there is no evidence yet connecting the incident in Danao City and the one in Lapu-Lapu City.)

 To recall, last January 11, Trinidad Batucan, a 60-year-old farmer, was killed and skinned by three alleged members of a cult in the hinterlands of Danao City.

The culprits were identified as brothers Junrey, Jovie and Jonas Bueno of the Bueno cult.

 Police Superintendent Maribelle Getigan of Danao City Police Station had said that skinning may have been part of their ritual.

 Junrey and Jovie were killed in separate operations for shooting it out with cops while Jonas remains at large.

 Coincidentally, 16-year-old Christine Silawan was found lifeless with no undergarments and was also skinned from her face to the neck last Monday in Barangay Bankal, Lapu-Lapu City.

Abrugena disclosed that most members of the Bueno cult are notorious criminals who left the urban living and stayed in mountain areas.

He said they are coordinating with the community regarding the presence of Jonas Bueno.

They are planning to build a substation in the mountain areas of Danao City to pre-empt further criminal activities.

He assured the public they are coordinating with other offices to prevent another gruesome murder like that of Silawan.  — MBG (FREEMAN)