A 48-year-old man was discovered dead in the early hours of Friday, February 27, 2026, in Sityo Bandilaan East, Barangay Bagay, Daanbantayan City, Cebu. The victim has been identified as Armando Tapangan, a resident of the area, who was found lying on the road, soaked in his own blood.
Discovery of the Body
The lifeless body was found at approximately 3:00 a.m. by Rolando Manto, Jr., a married fisherman who stumbled upon the scene while on his way. Authorities were immediately alerted, and an investigation was launched into the circumstances surrounding Tapangan's death.
Severe Head Injuries
Preliminary examinations suggest that Tapangan suffered severe head injuries, believed to have been inflicted with a hard object. The nature of the wounds indicates a brutal assault, leading police to treat the case as a homicide. Investigators are currently working to determine the exact weapon used and the sequence of events.
Potential Motive Emerges
Cheryl Laya-og, the victim's live-in partner, provided crucial information to the police, revealing that their relationship had been strained. She disclosed that Tapangan had been involved with another woman, identified as Rosalie Savedra, a resident of Palma Street, Barangay San Roque, Cebu City.
According to Laya-og, Tapangan arrived at their home on February 20, 2026, at around 1:00 p.m. and left later that evening at 10:00 p.m. A neighbor, Jessie Tranga, 32, reported questioning Tapangan about his return, to which the victim responded that he had argued with Rosalie.
Unusual Behavior Noted
Laya-og further stated that on Thursday morning, February 26, she observed Tapangan preparing to leave for Cebu City. She noted his unusually affectionate behavior towards small children and that he left behind a jacket he was wearing, which she found odd as it was out of character for him to abandon his clothing.
Her shock deepened on Friday morning when she was informed of Tapangan's death, prompting her to cooperate fully with the investigation.
Police Investigation Ongoing
PLt. Col. Wayne Magbanua, chief of the Daanbantayan Police Station, confirmed that the motive behind the crime remains unclear at this stage. However, authorities are actively pursuing one person of interest in connection with the case. Magbanua emphasized that the investigation is in its early phases, with forensic evidence and witness statements being meticulously reviewed.
The police are exploring all angles, including the potential love triangle as a driving factor, while urging anyone with additional information to come forward to aid in solving this tragic incident.
