A 22-year-old woman, identified as Neca Denise Lagria, was found dead along the seashore of the South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu City, in what police describe as an “isolated case.”
The suspect, 35-year-old Godofredo Brufar, admitted to strangling Lagria after she reportedly bit off his tongue in retaliation for an unwanted kiss. Brufar, a driver of a passenger multicab, was arrested in Barangay Sab-a, San Remigio, in the early hours of November 21, 2024, following a coordinated police operation.
A Meeting That Turned Deadly
Lagria, a resident of Barangay Yati in Liloan, had left her home on November 19, 2024, for a work meeting in Mandaue City. However, police reports reveal that she boarded Brufar’s multicab and dozed off in the front seat.
Brufar allegedly drove to a secluded area in the North Reclamation Area and attempted to kiss Lagria. She resisted by biting his tongue so severely that it was torn off. Enraged, Brufar reportedly strangled her, drove to SRP, and disposed of her body by throwing it over the seawall.
Evidence and Arrest
Authorities tracked Brufar after examining CCTV footage and tracing the multicab’s owner, identified as Jason Cullamat. Cullamat disclosed that his uncle, Brufar, had been driving the vehicle. Bloodstains were found on the multicab’s front seat.
Brufar was apprehended with the assistance of San Remigio police. Recovered from his possession were Lagria’s cellphone, charger, shoes, and a .38-caliber revolver with live ammunition.
Murder Case Filed
Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Police Col. Antonietto Cañete confirmed that Brufar will face murder charges. Cullamat is expected to testify against his uncle.
Despite the horrifying nature of the crime, Cañete assured the public that this was an isolated incident and that the case has been solved swiftly.