THE 14-year-old boy among the four suspects in the brutal killing of college student Sophia Marie G. Coquilla in Barangay La Filipina, Tagum City, will not face criminal charges due to protections granted under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (Republic Act No. 9344), authorities confirmed on July 14, 2025.
Police Major Anjanette Tirador, spokesperson of the Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office (DDNPPO), said during a press briefing that while the minor suspect cannot be held criminally liable, arrangements are being made to ensure justice is still pursued in accordance with the law.
According to Tirador, there is no “criminal liability”, as stated in the law’s implementing rules and regulations, but they are coordinating efforts to ensure the case proceeds fairly and the victim’s family sees justice.
RA 9344, also known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, was signed into law by then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and principally authored by then-Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan. The law sets the minimum age of criminal responsibility at 15 years and provides intervention and rehabilitation programs for children in conflict with the law, rather than punitive measures.
Meanwhile, the three other suspects, a 15-year-old, a 17-year-old, and their alleged leader, identified only by the alias “Royroy” will face charges of robbery with homicide.
Authorities are also preparing to request a court resolution that would allow the minors to be placed under the custody of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY), operated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-11), while the case is pending.
Coquilla, a University of the Philippines Diliman student and Ateneo de Davao Senior High School alumna, was laid to rest on July 15 in Tagum City. She was found lifeless inside her home with at least 38 stab wounds. The discovery sparked public outrage and intensified demands for justice.
To recall, a joint hot-pursuit operation on July 12 led to the arrest of all four suspects in various parts of the Davao Region. Recovered from them were several of the victim’s stolen belongings, including a laptop, iPad, iPhone, watches, and other personal items.
All evidence has been secured by the General Investigation Section since July 10.
Coquilla’s case has revived debate around the so-called “Pangilinan Law,” with critics citing its perceived role in shielding young offenders from accountability.
In past years, former President Rodrigo Duterte (FPRRD) was among those who criticized the law, claiming it emboldened juvenile criminals.
Pangilinan, however, has defended the measure, saying the real problem lies in its weak implementation and the lack of funding for rehabilitation centers.
He stressed that the law was designed to protect children from exploitation and promote their reintegration into society, not to absolve them of wrongdoing without consequence. DEF