2 charged for killing suspected witch, mother

ILAGAN, Isabela, Philippines – Charges have been filed against the suspects in the gruesome killing of a suspected witch and a mother here over the week.

Police identified the suspects as Ariel Acoba, 24; and Marlon Maramag, 19; of San Guillermo town in Cauayan City here, respectively, who are now both facing murder charges for last week’s killing of Carlita Peralta, 44; and Judith Buenaflor, 42; townmates of the suspects.

Police said Acoba has been charged for last Friday’s shooting four times as well as stabbing Peralta, whom he suspected as a witch, who caused his father-in-law’s strange illness.

The incident took place after Acoba had gone to Peralta’s house to confront her about her allegedly putting a hex or kulam on his father-in-law, Baldo Nanes, who was reportedly convulsing in pain.

Maramag too, allegedly slit Buenaflor’s throat while they were engaging in an altercation over his sudden removal as a farm caretaker with the victim’s husband as the alleged replacement.  – Charlie Lagasca