The man who allegedly beheaded a 15-year-old female student in Valencia City, Bukidnon has been arrested.

In a press conference on Saturday, January 10, 2026, the local government said the suspect was arrested first by a datu (tribal leader) who coordinated immediately with the Office of the City Vice Mayor regarding the suspect’s intent to surrender.

Mayor Amie Galario reminded the public that amid heightened public outrage over the brutal killing, the proper way to seek justice is to ensure that the guilty is punished through due process.

City administrator, Atty. Heinz Villanueva, clarified that the suspect’s extra-judicial confession was made voluntarily and without coercion, and in the presence of his legal counsel, wife, and parents during the proceedings.

Bukidnon Police Provincial Office Director, Col. Oliver Navales, said the P200,000 reward helped in identifying and arresting the suspect.

Police saud the suspect was found to have a prior record of murder.

Authorities assured the public that witnesses are being verified thoroughly to strengthen the case against the suspect.

It can be recalled that the victim was reported missing on January 6 after she failed to return home from school.

She was found at a sugarcane plantation in Barangay Dagat on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Investigators are also looking into whether the victim was raped first before she was killed.