Bitten-off tongue triggers slay of woman in Cebu City

Repulsion to a stolen kiss and a bitten-off tongue triggered reportedly the strangulation of a woman found dumped at the seashore of South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu City.

The 35-year-old suspect who was arrested dawn on November 21, 2024 told police that he choked to death 22-year-old Neca Denise Lagria after the victim bit his tongue, and cut it off.

The suspect identified as Godofredo Brufar was confronted by Lagria’s family at the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) after he admitted killing the woman.

Brufar, the driver of a passenger multicab, said that the woman went on board the multicab dawn of November 19, 2024.

Lagria left home earlier that day from Barangay Yati, Liloan town for a purported work meeting at a food establishment inside a mall in Mandaue City where she worked. But Lagria, who settled at the front seat of the passenger multicab dozed off.

The suspect said he drove to a secluded spot at the North Reclamation Area in Mandaue City. He proceeded to kiss the victim on the lips. In revulsion, the woman fought back by biting hard on his tongue until it tore off.

The enraged suspect held the woman’s neck and squeezed it tightly.

He then drove to SRP, dragged the woman out of the vehicle, and threw her off the seawall.

Earlier, personnel of Station 11 (Mambaling Police Station) led by Police Major Efren Diaz, Jr. tracked down the multicab driven by the suspect based on CCTV footage gathered during their backtracking.

They nabbed first the owner of the multicab identified as Jason Cullamat in Consolacion town. However, it was learned from Cullamat that it was his uncle, Godofredo Brufar, who drove the vehicle.

Blood stains were observed at the front seat of the vehicle.

Cullamat told police that Brufar left for San Remigio.

With the assistace of the San Remigio Police, Brufar was collared in Barangay Sab-a.

Recovered were the victim’s cellphone as proven by her selfies in the photo gallery, power charger, and her shoes.

A .38-caliber revolver and live bullets were also found in the possession of the suspect.

A case for murder is set to be filed against Brufar. His nephew, Cullamat, is seen to testify possibly against him.

CCPO Director, Police Col. Antonietto Cañete, said though that the case is considered solved, and that the public need not be alarmed because it is deemed an “isolated case.”

Meanwhile, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia lauded the police force and the public’s cooperation in the swift resolution of the crime.

The mayor met the family of the victim at CCPO to console them and to hand over financial assistance from his personal funds.

Further, it was learned that Lagria is the youngest of four siblings. — GMA Regional TV