THE son who murdered his 60-year-old father in Purok 1A-Gapas, Barangay Madaum, Tagum City, has not yet undergone a psychiatric evaluation, as the decision depends on the court's ruling.
Tagum Police chief, Police Colonel Wildemar Tiu, said in a phone interview on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, that they are waiting for the judge's order to determine if the suspect will be evaluated for any mental health conditions.
“Mao pa ni sya ang amoang ginahulat pero naga-depende man gud ang kana [psychological evaluation] sa korte, kung unsa pud ang desisyon sa judge ana (This is what we are still waiting for, but the psychological evaluation depends on the court, depending on the judge's decision),” he said.
The suspect has been charged with parricide, filed by his brother on January 20.
Tiu confirmed that one of the suspect’s siblings filed the case with the prosecutor's office after the incident.
Authorities also confirmed that the suspect tested negative for drugs, dispelling online rumors.
However, Tiu noted that the suspect was not in a stable mental state when apprehended.
“Kinsa man pud tarong nga tao ang mubuhat ani. Mura na to syag cannibalism maong importante gyud pud mahibal-an kung naa ba syay mental condition (Who in their right mind would commit such an act? It almost seems like cannibalism, so it's essential to assess his mental health)," Tiu added.
The suspect confessed to hearing voices when committing the crime, which could indicate "schizophrenia," according to psychologist and professor De Mar Bangeles, though this has not been confirmed due to a lack of evidence.
Tiu also said that the suspect is being provided with food and basic needs during the investigation to aid his recovery and assist in the ongoing inquiry.
“Sa pagkakaron, amo sya ginapakaon kay para maulian pud sya ug maka-tabang sya sa amoang imbestigasyon (We're taking care of him so he can recover and help with our investigation),” he said. DEF