Two nabbed in Banawa rob-slay —

MANILA, Philippines —Two suspects in a robbery-with-homicide case in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City, were arrested in a follow-up operation conducted by personnel of the Guadalupe, Police Station 9, less than 24 hours after a male warehouse caretaker was found dead in Sitio Banawa.

Police Station 9 personnel, under the supervision of Police Captain Venstine Ponce Bontilao, responded to a reported dead person alarm around 5 P.M. on May 13, 2026, at J. Fortich Street, Sitio Banawa, Barangay Guadalupe.

Responding officers discovered the lifeless body of the caretaker of the Grand Land Warehouse lying on a wooden bed outside the building. The victim had visible injuries, including bloodstains in his hands, face, and ears, as well as swelling in his right eye.

Initial information gathered by police from the reliever caretaker revealed that the victim failed to respond to repeated contact attempts, prompting authorities and nearby residents to enter the premises.

Medical responders later declared the victim dead on arrival and noted that the body was already in a state of rigor mortis. Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of death as the investigation remains ongoing.

A Scene of the Crime Operatives team was immediately deployed to process the crime scene, collect evidence, and document the incident.

Police later established that the incident involved robbery with homicide, although they have yet to disclose what items were allegedly taken from the victim.

Police immediately launched a hot pursuit operation in coordination with barangay officials, concerned citizens, and confidential informants.

At around 4:05 p.m. on May 14, 2026, a concerned citizen provided them with information regarding the whereabouts of the fleeing suspects. Acting on the verified tip, police operatives proceeded to a shanty along J. Fortich Street, Banawa, Guadalupe, where they arrested the suspects.

The two suspects were taken to Police Station 9 for proper documentation, booking procedures, and further investigation.

Authorities said how the case was solved highlights the importance of strong police-community partnership.