At least 27 cows were stolen from a grazing area in Sitio Larbeco, Barangay Limo-ok, Lamitan City, Basilan, and three of them were allegedly slaughtered at the area by the suspects.

According to Nulmina Sarabil, some of the cows were owned by her brother while the rest belonged to their relatives.

The incident was discovered when her brother checked the grazing area after opening his store at the Oval Market and attending a Friday prayer.

“Nung pumunta siya doon. Nakita niya doon is namatay na yung tatlong baka. And then after nakita niya yung tatlong namatay na baka, chi-neck na yung iba na alaga doon mismo sa lugar kung saan nangyari,” Sarabil said.

After the incident, the owner reportedly collapsed due to extreme distress.

The total value of the stolen cows was estimated at more than P1 million.

“Pagtingin niya, wala na kahit isa naabutan. So doon nahimatay yung kuya ko,” Sarabil added.

The person taking care of the cows reportedly had no conflict with anyone. He also has permission for the area where the cows were grazing.

However, several unidentified individuals were reportedly seen in the area prior to the incident.

“May nakakita na 17 na katao pumunta doon kung saan daw nangyari  yung insidente. 17 na katao pero naka mask, naka-hoodie, mga around 12 a.m. ng January 8, may nakapansin. Meron daw nauna nag-motor,” Sarabil said.

Investigation into the incident continues.