Woman, 75, Dies After Alleged Stingray Tail Attack

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A 75-year-old woman died after allegedly being whipped with a stingray’s tail, locally known as ikog pagi, on the morning of June 1 in Tapaz, Capiz.

Police identified the victim only as alias Webena, a resident of Barangay Bag-ong Barrio who was temporarily staying in Barangay Switch, where the incident occurred.

Authorities arrested the alleged attacker, 57-year-old Carmelina, who also lives in Barangay Switch.

According to reports, Webena was cleaning her niece’s house when Carmelina arrived at around 10:30 a.m.

A confrontation broke out between the two women.

The verbal altercation escalated into a physical fight, with the younger woman allegedly overpowering Webena.

The victim’s daughter, Liz, said she tried to intervene but arrived too late.

Carmelina allegedly struck her mother with a stingray’s tail.

Webena reportedly collapsed and lost consciousness.

She was rushed to Tapaz District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Responding police officers arrested Carmelina at her niece’s home in Barangay Switch at around 11:30 a.m.

Staff Sgt. John Ferotsen Palacios, Tapaz police chief, said the case is currently recorded as a mauling incident.

He said police have not confirmed if a stingray’s tail was used in the attack.

No such weapon was recovered from the scene or in the suspect’s possession.

Carmelina claimed she only used a stick during the confrontation.

Police said Webena had defensive wounds on her arms and shoulders and abrasions on her eyes and various parts of her body.

Initial findings suggested the victim may have died of cardiac arrest.

Police said Carmelina would still face charges for assaulting the victim, regardless of whether a stingray’s tail or a stick was used.

She is now in police custody while formal charges are being prepared.