At least seven tombs at a cemetery in Barangay Tubalan in Malita, Davao Occidental were found vandalized.

Families visiting their departed loved ones were surprised to see holes punched into the tombs.

They suspect that the perpetrators wanted to take the kneecap or “tuway-tuway” from the remains of the dead.

The “tuway-tuway” is reportedly being turned into amulets.

The police have launched an investigation, hoping to find witnesses.

“Conducting pa ng investigation as to when nangyari and sino ang mga perpetrator and naghahanap pa kami ng mga witnesses regarding the incident,” said PLt./Col. Mark Donald Edquibal, chief of the Malita Municipal Police Station.

Quoting the barangay captain, Edquibal said it appeared that nothing was taken from the tombs.

“Sabi nung Brgy. Kapitan, tinakpan naman na ‘yung (butas). And as per sa kanya, kasi siya man ang nandoon sa area, parang wala man daw nawala doon sa buong parts ng nandoon sa pantyon,” he said.

Morning on October 30, 2024, the police have deployed personnel to cemeteries ahead of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.