‘Magnanakaw’ was the last word uttered by the 68-year-old woman before she lost consciousness after being stabbed in the chest by unidentified men.  

The victim has been identified as Cosia Lagyop Fernandez, a married businesswoman.  

According to the police investigation, the victim came from her house at Purok 24 in Barangay Irisan, Baguio City, and sought help from her neighbor, who was also her sibling.  

The incident happened around 11 p.m. on Friday, October 11.  

According to the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), the senior citizen sustained a stab wound to the chest, which caused her death.  

However, the motive behind the attack remains unclear.  

“But based on the investigation, it seems that none of the victim’s belongings were taken, so our investigators are still unsure about the motive,” said PMaj. Marcy Grace Marron, Public Information Officer at BCPO.

While the police have identified persons of interest, they are still gathering information about a taxi driver allegedly flagged down by the suspects as their getaway vehicle.  

“We need to get the statement and affidavit from the taxi driver because he could potentially provide leads on the suspects,” Marron stated.

This incident has alarmed the barangay, especially since an 18-year-old woman was also killed by stabbing on September 20.  

“I am deeply affected by this because I don’t want such incidents to happen in our barangay. People here in Irisan shouldn’t be afraid. I am the most affected, and we should not allow such cases to happen here in Irisan,” Punong Barangay Arthur Carlos of Barangay Irisan mentioned.

Meanwhile, three weeks later, the police have already identified the suspect in the killing of an 18-year-old woman in Purok 14, Barangay Irisan.  

According to the BCPO, they have a lead on the suspect.  

“A taxi driver has identified the suspect, but he is reluctant to provide an affidavit,” said Marron.

Despite the series of killings, the BCPO assures the public…  

“The police continue to implement measures in the areas of Barangay Irisan,” Marron stated.

This marks the second murder case in the barangay this year.

**VANESSA BUGTONG