Residents say 'aswang' killed livestock in Kidapawan

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines – Villagers here panicked when they learned that another group of livestock were killed by what they believed was an "aswang," a ghoul in Philippine mythology, which appears to be human by day and turns into a blood-sucking monster as darkness falls. Three goats owned by Cielo Alonzo were seen dead without inner organs, including hearts and livers, in a vacant lot owned by Danny Guerero in Purok 2A in Barangay Lower Manongol here, about 2:30 p.m., Sunday. The incident was the second since May, according to Edgar de Jesus, Purok president of Purok 2A in Lower Manongol village. Last May, a flock of sheep, was also attacked by the "mysterious killer." The animals were owned by a state university here. “Their internal organs were also feasted on by the ‘killer’," de Jesus said. Glenda Canete, caretaker of Alonzo’s goats, said she does not believe a stray dog could have killed the animals. “Something that is bigger than the dog, or a wolf maybe, or something that has supernatural powers could be behind the killing," said Canete. Both Canete and de Jesus pointed to the "aswang" as the culprit. "After our animals, they might kill our children or those weak individuals. The killing must be stopped," de Jesus said. An "aswang," according to beliefs, can transform into animals, usually taking the form of a black dog, pig or bull. “They prey on weaker victims like children and old people, but will also attack timid, defenseless, and usually easily-preyed animals, like goat, sheep," the residents said. But police dismissed those beliefs as baseless. “We cannot say that one hundred percent, an 'aswang' could be behind the killing. We’re in a modern world now. ‘Yang aswang, sa mga pelikula lang ‘yan (That aswang thing is only in the movies)," said a police officer. Chief Inspector Leo Ajero, city police director, has already ordered a thorough investigation on the killing. “We will find out who did the killing and make those responsible for it accountable," he said. - Malu Cadelina Manar, GMANews.TV