Purok Leader Fatally Hacked in Aloguinsan Amid Aid Documentation Row
A tragic and violent incident unfolded in Aloguinsan, Cebu, resulting in the death of a community leader over a dispute related to typhoon aid documentation. The victim, identified as Myrna Yuson, a 40-year-old purok leader and resident of Barangay Punay, was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital after sustaining multiple hack wounds from a bolo attack.
Details of the Fatal Confrontation
The attack occurred on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at approximately 11:30 in the morning. According to police reports, Yuson had visited the home of a witness, Carmelita Yares, to take photographs of the house condition. This documentation was intended as proof for aid distribution to those affected by the recent Typhoon Tino.
During her visit, the suspect, Josely Alcontin Abueme, a 43-year-old farmer and former drug surrenderer, arrived at Yares' residence looking for his mother. When Yuson informed him that they were unaware of his mother's whereabouts, Abueme became enraged. Without further discussion, he drew a bolo and immediately hacked Yuson, first striking her back.
Despite attempting to flee, Yuson was pursued and further attacked, sustaining fatal wounds to her back, chest, and neck. Neighbors were reportedly too frightened to intervene, as Abueme's eyes were described as "glaring" and he showed no mercy, continuing to hack the fallen victim.
Police Investigation and Suspect's Arrest
Police Captain Crisanto Arreglo, chief of the Aloguinsan Police Station, provided details based on witness statements. The suspect fled the scene but was later apprehended at his residence. During interrogation, Abueme confessed to the crime, expressing no remorse and citing that he had been "filled with gossip" he had overheard, which provoked him.
Captain Arreglo noted a chilling detail from the suspect's account: prior to the attack, Abueme had visited the barangay captain of Punay around 5:00 AM that day, claiming people were following him with intent to kill. He even mentioned a drone he believed was surveilling him, though the captain dismissed it as mere birds flying.
Community Impact and Aftermath
The crime scene in Barangay Punay was marked by a cross and covered with soil and leaves, with bloodstains indicating the brutality of the attack. This incident has shocked the local community, highlighting tensions that can arise during disaster recovery efforts. Authorities are continuing their investigation to uncover any underlying motives or additional factors related to the suspect's claims of provocation.
