Authorities have arrested the man who allegedly killed a 17-year-old girl in Barangay Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City.

The suspect was identified as 62-year-old Sonny Boy Ratunil, who allegedly hid in Initao, Misamis Oriental after the incident.

The suspect reportedly owned up to the crime.

Police said the victim and the suspect figured in an altercation because of money, based on the suspect’s accounts.

“Ang iyang gi-ingon sa atoa is naa daw sila panaglalis tungod sa kwarta. Na-connect gihapon nato sa information nga gihatag sa mga concerned citizen nga naay panaglalis sa ilang duha,” Police Station 3 Agora Commander, Major Maier Naifh Maruhom, said.

The suspect may face murder charges.

It can be recalled that the victim was found dead at a swampy area on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

She sustained a hack wound in the neck.

Her mother identified her body positively. They are residents of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.

According to the mother, her daughter went to Cagayan de Oro City four months ago to work.

“Mao lage ang problema kay wala siya nag istorya ug asa siya dapit nagtrabaho. Og mag-communicate mi sa cellphone, iya kumusta, ok ra ko ma. Kumusta man ka diha ate ingon siya ok ra ko ma ayaw mo kabalaka kay ok ra ko siyempre ako inahan murag makalma ra ko,” the victim’s mother, Recinette Pactol, said.

Prior to the incident, the victim and the suspect were last seen together in the area on April 27.

“Last April 27, naay isa ka witness nag ingon nga nakita niya tong suspek kauban ang biktima diri nga area. Mao to information nga atong nakuha kay iyang gipaila is iyaha daw uyab,” Maruhom said earlier.