Habal-Habal Driver Nabbed for Tubungan Rape-Slay

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Police arrested a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) driver in connection with the rape-slay of an 18-year-old girl in Tubungan, Iloilo.

The suspect, identified only as Aljohn, 33, was arrested at his home in Barangay Ingay, Tubungan, on the morning of June 20—three days after the victim, alias Candie, was found dead.

The suspect’s mother woke him after police knocked on their door.

Aljohn immediately admitted that he “unintentionally” killed the girl after breaking into her home early morning of June 17.

However, he denied committing any lascivious acts or sexually assaulting the victim.

He said he entered the girl’s room around 2:30 a.m., claiming he was drunk and merely wanted to surprise her.

“Gusto ko man lang siya kibuton (I just wanted to startle her),” he said, insisting he had no intent to rape or kill her.

He allegedly gained entry by climbing through the bedroom window. At that time, Candie was still awake and browsing on her mobile phone.

The suspect said she was startled and tried to scream, prompting him to cover her mouth.

A struggle ensued, and the girl reportedly fell off her bed and hit her head on the floor.

She became unconscious and “probably” died, Aljohn claimed.

He denied repeatedly punching her. But an autopsy showed Candie suffered four scalp hematomas, consistent with blunt force trauma to the head.

Aljohn said he checked her hand and noticed her fingers had turned bluish.

At the time of the incident, the victim was reportedly not wearing underwear or pajama.

“I did not undress her,” he said in the vernacular.

When found, the girl had no undergarments on. Her family said this was not unusual, as she typically wore only a dress, especially in hot weather.

Aljohn said he was shocked by what happened. He stayed seated on her bed for about 15 minutes.

Before leaving, he covered her body with a blanket. He exited through the same window he used to enter.

He later confirmed her death after hearing the news on the radio.

Despite repeated questioning, Aljohn insisted he did not rape Candie and had no romantic interest in her.

The eldest of three siblings, he claimed he had no intention of fleeing. He expressed remorse and asked for the family’s forgiveness.

Tubungan police chief Capt. Alberto Manguilimotan Jr. confirmed Aljohn was among seven persons of interest.

Investigators said the suspect was previously known in the area for breaking into homes to undress women. He reportedly left without taking valuables.

Aljohn denied this and said he had only once been accused of cattle rustling.

He is now detained and will be charged with rape with homicide.