A SUSPECT in the killing of taxi driver Johnny Burdas in Sitio Ka-Isko, Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City has surrendered to authorities after a week in hiding.
The surrender took place on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
According to Lt. Col. Christian Torres, spokesperson for the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, the suspect, a delivery truck driver, confessed to the crime during an extrajudicial interview.
He admitted full responsibility for shooting Burdas on July 2.
The suspect was previously identified as a person of interest after closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage captured him fleeing toward the mangrove area shortly after the incident.
Torres said the suspect committed the crime after a 16-year-old minor alleged that Burdas had sexually assaulted her.
However, the police investigation suggests Burdas, 47, and the minor may have been in a romantic relationship.
Authorities cited evidence such as a shared rented residence and women’s clothing found inside the victim’s taxi.
Further examination of Burdas’ mobile phone revealed active messaging threads with individuals linked to the minor, which helped police establish a deeper connection and advance the investigation.
In a separate interview, the 30-year-old suspect admitted to shooting the victim in defense of his friend, the minor, who had accused Burdas of rape.
He also revealed he was not alone during the incident, stating that his companions took the victim’s cell phone and wallet after the attack.
According to Torres, four individuals, including the suspect, have been implicated in the case. All are reportedly on the watchlist of Police Station 2 for alleged involvement in drug use and theft.
The group is expected to face charges of murder.
Kyra Burdas, the victim’s daughter, expressed mixed emotions following the identification and surrender of the suspect. She urged authorities to bring all individuals involved to justice.
Addressing rumors of love triangle angle, Kyra shared that her late father had intended to help the minor and support her education, describing him as someone who “genuinely wanted to help.”
She believes the woman may have taken advantage of his kindness, which tragically led to his death.
Burdas’ burial is scheduled on July 12. / DPC