Final Suspect in the Tragic Killing of UP Student Sophia in Tagum City Captured After Intense Manhunt: A Detailed Timeline and Legal Implications

Tagum City, Philippines – July 13, 2025 — A significant milestone in the pursuit of justice was reached today with the arrest of the fourth and final suspect in the horrifying slaying of 19-year-old University of the Philippines student, Sophia Marie Coquilla. The capture ends a days-long manhunt that gripped the nation and sparked renewed discussion on public safety, juvenile justice, and criminal accountability.

Sophia’s untimely death, which occurred on July 9 inside her family home in Barangay La Filipina, sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted an all-out investigation by the Tagum City Police and Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office. The final suspect, an 18-year-old male, was apprehended early in the morning of July 13 after days in hiding. He is now in police custody, facing charges of robbery with homicide.

Who Was Sophia Coquilla?

Sophia Marie Coquilla was a bright and promising college student from Tagum City, taking up her studies in Manila. She was known to friends, teachers, and family as intelligent, determined, and kind-hearted. At the time of her death, Sophia was on summer break, visiting her family back home before returning to school. Her academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and generous spirit were recognized by peers and educators alike. The tragic nature of her passing has made it even more difficult for the community to come to terms with.

The Crime That Shook the City

On July 9, around the early hours of the morning, four individuals reportedly gained entry to the Coquilla residence through a rear sliding door. They were allegedly attempting to commit burglary. Sophia, believed to have been alone at the time, likely woke up during the break-in. Investigators believe this moment of discovery tragically triggered a violent attack.

Authorities report that Sophia suffered 38 stab wounds and significant blunt force trauma, believed to have been inflicted using a dumbbell found at the crime scene. The sheer brutality of the act led investigators to classify the incident as not just a robbery gone wrong, but a chilling and deliberate killing.

Among the items taken from the Coquilla home were Sophia’s personal electronics, including a laptop, mobile phone, tablet, and wristwatches. CCTV footage from nearby establishments helped authorities trace the movements of the suspects in and out of the neighborhood.

The Investigation and Arrests: A Day-by-Day Breakdown

July 9: Following the discovery of Sophia’s body, police launched a large-scale manhunt for the perpetrators. Neighbors reported unusual activity in the vicinity, and investigators retrieved surveillance footage that proved instrumental in identifying the individuals involved.

July 10: Two juvenile suspects, aged 14 and 17, were arrested. The younger of the two reportedly confessed to entering the house with the intent to steal and implicated the others in the murder.

July 11: A third suspect, a 15-year-old male, was apprehended in Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City. He was turned over to social welfare officers for discernment procedures under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

July 13: The fourth and final suspect, who had evaded authorities for four days, was captured in Mati City, Davao Oriental. He is the only suspect of legal age (18 years old) and will be tried as an adult under Philippine criminal law.

Legal Ramifications: Juvenile Justice and Criminal Accountability

The case presents legal complexities, as three out of the four suspects are minors. Under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, individuals under 15 years old are exempt from criminal liability. However, children aged 15 to below 18 can be held criminally responsible if they acted with discernment—a psychological evaluation used to determine if a minor understood the consequences of their actions.

The 14-year-old and 15-year-old suspects will undergo social intervention programs, while the 17-year-old may be charged as an adult depending on the outcome of discernment assessments. The 18-year-old suspect, arrested last, will be prosecuted in full under the country’s penal code.

Impact on Community and Education Sector

Sophia’s murder has reverberated far beyond Tagum City. The University of the Philippines, where she was enrolled, issued a statement condemning the act and expressing support for Sophia’s family. Various student organizations and women’s rights groups have staged vigils and called for reforms that improve safety measures for young people during academic breaks.

Local government units in Davao del Norte have also vowed to tighten community security, especially in residential areas where break-ins have become increasingly reported.

The Role of Surveillance and Community Reporting

One of the significant breakthroughs in the case came from neighborhood CCTV footage and community informants. A local store’s surveillance system reportedly captured the suspects passing by just before and after the time of the incident. Community members who knew the suspects also assisted in identifying and locating them. Authorities have praised the public’s cooperation, emphasizing that vigilance and timely information-sharing can make or break a criminal case.

Police Statement and Ongoing Proceedings

Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Deles, who led the investigative team, shared that the suspects confessed to entering the home with intent to rob but panicked when Sophia confronted them. The suspects then decided to attack, fearing identification and arrest.

Police have recovered most of the stolen items and are preparing to submit them as evidence. Forensic experts have also analyzed the scene and submitted reports to the city prosecutor’s office. Judicial proceedings for the adult suspect are set to begin later this month, while the social welfare department continues evaluations for the juveniles.

Broader Social Reflections

The Tagum incident has reignited national discussions on multiple fronts:

Security in residential neighborhoods: Many have called for stricter enforcement of community watch programs and home safety standards.
Juvenile crime and accountability: Legislators and advocacy groups are reviewing whether the current legal age of criminal responsibility adequately addresses serious offenses committed by minors.
Mental health and youth development: The case has prompted calls for better access to mental health services, especially for at-risk youth who may be vulnerable to criminal influence.
Support for victims’ families: Groups have proposed legislation for emergency financial and psychological support for families affected by violent crimes.

What Happens Next?

As the legal process unfolds, Sophia’s family, classmates, and community continue to seek justice and healing. Many are watching how the courts will handle the juvenile suspects and whether this case may result in legislative or policy changes regarding criminal responsibility and social safety nets.

The final suspect’s arrest marks the end of a dark chapter in the city’s recent history, but it also offers a turning point—an opportunity for reflection, accountability, and change.

Related Articles for Further Reading:

Third Juvenile in Sophia Coquilla Case Apprehended in Tagum City
Timeline of Events in the Coquilla Murder Investigation
Davao Authorities Detail Forensic Evidence in Tagum Case
Community Shock and Student Response Following Tragic Death
Legal Experts Debate Reform on Juvenile Criminal Liability in Light of Tagum Incident