Businesswoman fatally shot by suitor in Tagum City

Another murder rocked Tagum City, Davao del Norte, days after a University of the Philippines-Manila student, Sophia Coquilla, was robbed and killed by four young men in Barangay La Filipina.

Police said a 26-year-old businesswoman, Seannen Gellangarin, was allegedly shot and killed by her suitor inside her apartment in Barangay Madaum before dawn on Wednesday, July 16.

Gellangarin was taken to a hospital where she died from bullet wounds.

The 49-year-old suspect, whose identity was not disclosed, fled and was arrested in a follow-up operation in an inn in nearby Panabo City, Davao del Norte on Wednesday afternoon.

Recovered from the suspect were a .45 caliber pistol loaded with bullets, three sachets of suspected shabu valued at P360,000, a holster, a cellphone, and personal belongings.

The suspect is detained at the Panabo City Police Station and faces appropriate cases.

Police are looking into jealousy as a possible motive as the victim and suspect were heard by neighbors arguing before gunshots rang out.

Further investigation is ongoing.

Coquilla, 19, was robbed and killed in her house on Wednesday, July 9.

She was on vacation when she was slain. The victim sustained 38 stab wounds in her body.

Her assailants were arrested one after the other and are in police custody.