San Vicente, Ilocos Sur – A man is now in police custody after surrendering to authorities in connection with the brutal killing of a woman in Barangay Lubong on the night of May 18, 2025.

The suspect, whose identity is being withheld pending the filing of formal charges, reportedly worked near the residence of the victim, 37-year-old Gloria Rebuldela Ribultan. Police said there was no known history of conflict between the two.

According to investigators, the suspect confessed and expressed remorse, claiming he could not remember the events of that night and felt as though he had "blacked out." He was also unable to identify the weapon used in the crime.

Authorities noted that the suspect had no prior criminal record in the barangay, making his involvement in the incident all the more perplexing. Investigators are now considering multiple angles, including possible underlying motives.

CCTV footage from the suspect’s workplace reportedly shows him leaving the premises shortly before the estimated time of the crime and returning afterward. He had excused himself from a drinking session earlier that evening but never came back.

The victim was found partially unclothed from the waist down, with signs of a violent struggle. She died from strangulation, as evidenced by severe bruising and trauma to her neck.

While the suspect has not admitted to any act of sexual assault, investigators are not ruling it out. A murder charge is being prepared, with the possibility of additional charges if forensic results confirm rape.