Authorities in Tagum City are investigating the brutal killing of 19-year-old college student Sophia Marie G. Coquilla, who was found dead with 38 stab wounds inside her bedroom in Purok 3-A, Barangay La Filipina on July 9, 2025.
Initial police findings revealed that Coquilla was killed during a robbery inside her home, where her bloodied body was discovered by her parents.
Investigators recovered a blood-stained knife and other blunt objects used in the assault, while several personal items including her laptop, cellphone, and watch were missing.
Police arrested two minors, aged 14 and 17, after a hot pursuit operation, identifying them through CCTV footage and recovering the stolen items at their boarding house.
A third suspect, a 15-year-old known as “YanYan” from Davao de Oro, was apprehended the following morning and is now under the custody of the Women and Children Protection Desk.
Authorities confirmed that the suspects had been monitoring the victim’s residence for two days before carrying out the crime in the early hours.
One remaining suspect, an 18-year-old identified as “Roy,” is still at large and was reportedly the lead perpetrator in the robbery and killing.
All suspects face charges related to robbery with homicide, and authorities continue to collect evidence and track down the final suspect.
Coquilla, a student of UP Manila and niece of incumbent Tagum City Councilor Engr. Jun Coquilla, is currently being laid to rest as the investigation progresses.