LGBTQ Farmer Found Slain in Bohol Rice Field; Police Investigate Suspected Rape-Murder
Residents of Purok 3, Barangay Omjon in Valencia City, Bohol were left in shock after the body of Charity Albotra, a member of the LGBTQ community, was discovered dead in a rice field with a large wound on her neck. The grim finding occurred on the afternoon of Friday, January 30, 2026, sending waves of alarm through the local community.
Discovery of the Victim in the Rice Paddy
The victim, identified as a tomboy and farmer, was found lifeless in the middle of a rice field owned by Pelagio Daigdigan, a 60-year-old resident. Police Master Sergeant Narvin Abueva II, the investigator on the case, reported that they arrived at the scene to find Albotra's body partially concealed among the rice stalks, with evidence of bleeding.
Upon closer examination, authorities noted a deep and extensive laceration on her neck. Disturbingly, initial assessments suggest an attempt was made to sever her throat, indicating a violent and brutal attack.
Persons of Interest and Drinking Session Details
Valencia Municipal Police Station has identified three persons of interest in connection with the crime. According to witness accounts, Albotra had been harvesting in the field earlier and, in the early morning hours, joined three men for a drinking session at an abandoned house owned by one of the suspects.
Police discovered bloodstains at this location, corroborating reports that the group's loud drinking lasted until around 3:00 AM. Two of the men have been questioned but have denied any involvement in the crime, claiming they left early and that Albotra remained with a 28-year-old man, reportedly a native of Bukidnon, who fled the scene after the incident.
Police Theory: Drunken Attempted Rape Leads to Murder
Investigators are pursuing a theory that the 28-year-old suspect, possibly intoxicated, attempted to rape Albotra. Due to her resistance as a tomboy, a struggle ensued, likely leading the suspect to use a sharp object, possibly a farm tool, to fatally wound her.
"This is an ongoing theory, but it is the most plausible one. He may have assaulted her while she was sleeping, and when she fought back, the crime occurred," stated Abueva. The police emphasize that this is a developing hypothesis as the investigation continues.
Ongoing Investigation and Autopsy Procedures
An autopsy has been ordered to determine conclusively whether sexual assault occurred. Meanwhile, Valencia Police are coordinating with authorities in Bukidnon to investigate the background of the fleeing suspect.
Abueva clarified that the other two men are not yet cleared of suspicion and remain under investigation for any potential involvement in this heinous murder. The case highlights ongoing concerns about violence against LGBTQ individuals in rural areas.
