A 45-year-old woman was found dead inside an abandoned septic tank in Barangay Looc, Panglao, Bohol, on Oct. 31, and her 15-year-old child later admitted involvement in her killing, police said.
The victim, Rhea, was allegedly killed on the night of Oct. 30 after she reprimanded the teenager for frequently cutting classes, according to Police Maj. Joseph Lopena, spokesman for the Bohol Police Provincial Office.
Lopena said an argument reportedly followed. The teenager allegedly struck the mother several times with a hammer after she hit the minor.
The child then allegedly dragged the victim’s body to an abandoned septic tank 30 meters from their home, cleaned blood from the floor and hid the hammer in the kitchen sink, police said.
Investigators found blood spatter on a wall, which helped in the investigation.
Relatives and neighbors reported the discovery of the body to police at about 10 a.m. on Oct. 31.
The teenager initially said the mother had gone to Tagbilaran, police said. The minor later appeared before authorities and admitted involvement in the killing in the presence of legal counsel, guardians and a social welfare representative.
Police said the teenager plays soccer and practices taekwondo. Authorities said the minor had no history of illegal drug use or alcohol abuse. Police mentioned the teenager’s Roblox account but clarified that investigators had found no established connection between the account and the killing.
Authorities are focusing on an argument between the mother and child as the angle in the investigation.
The teenager is under the care of the Panglao Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office. Authorities are awaiting a certificate of discernment from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to determine whether the minor understood the nature and consequences of the alleged act and may be held accountable under the law.
