The Lapu-Lapu City Police have released from detention the 42-year-old husband of a woman who was stabbed dead inside a modernized public utility jeepney (PUJ).

Police Captain Edcel Petecio, Public Information Officer at the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office,  confirmed that the husband was released from police custody at 2:30 p.m. on December 31, 2024.

The husband was arrested dawn on December 29, 2024 after the driver of the modernized PUJ identified him as the person who went on board the vehicle and attacked the woman evening on December 28, 2024 in Barangay Ibô, Lapu-Lapu City.

However, the driver recanted his statement after the authorities traced death threats sent by the woman’s former boyfriend through cellphone messages.

It was learned that the latest death threat received by the victim from her ex-lover was sent in October 2024.

Further, photographs of the ex-boyfriend showed that he has a strong semblance with the woman’s husband.

Following this, the Lapu-Lapu City Police have prepared documents for the filing of a case against the ex-boyfriend.

The cops have also tried to gather more witnesses to the incident, such as those who were on board the modernized PUJ when the incident happened.

GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak has sought twice a statement from the husband of the victim, but he has again refused an interview or a statement on the incident.

His co-workers have also refused an interview based on advice of the lawyer of the school they are serving.

The husband works as a security guard at a private school in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City.