A 42-year-old woman accused in the alleged poisoning deaths of a mother and her young daughter in San Fernando, Cebu, was arrested on June 11, 2026, authorities said.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Dorlyn,” was taken into custody at around 8 p.m. by virtue of a warrant of arrest for two counts of murder. Authorities said she was listed as the Top 1 Most Wanted Person at the municipal and provincial levels and the Top 2 Most Wanted Person at the regional level.
The case stems from the deaths of Marittes, 41, and her three-year-old daughter, who were found dead inside their hut in Sitio Tamsi, Barangay Balud, San Fernando, Cebu, on Jan. 28, 2025.
According to earlier reports, the victims were discovered with foam coming from their mouths, a condition believed by investigators to be consistent with poisoning. The incident gained widespread attention after a video circulated on social media showing the discovery of the victims.
Police said initial investigations indicated that Marittes, Dorlyn and a minor identified as “Jay,” the victim’s stepson, had reportedly been drinking together before the incident. Authorities said Dorlyn and Jay later left the area and, upon returning, allegedly found the victims unconscious and sought help from neighbors.
Dorlyn had previously stated in media interviews that Marittes had expressed thoughts of ending her life. She also claimed she had helped the victim find shelter after being allegedly driven away from her previous residence.
However, according to Nalyn, a former employer of Marittes and aunt of the victim’s former live-in partner, the case was reopened in March 2025 after Jay reportedly came forward as a witness.
Jay allegedly told investigators that Dorlyn had set aside a glass of beer and appeared to squeeze an unknown substance into it before handing it to Marittes. He also claimed Dorlyn later gave something to the victim’s three-year-old daughter after Marittes had lost consciousness.
Authorities also reportedly recovered a sachet of insecticide from the area, which investigators believe may have been used in the alleged poisoning.
Dorlyn has strongly denied the allegations and maintained that she had no involvement in the deaths. She said that if she were responsible for the crime, she would have fled or returned to her home province long ago.
The suspect remains under police custody and is expected to face court proceedings in connection with the murder charges.
