University Worker Found Dead in Bohol; Nephew Arrested

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — A 33-year-old administrative officer of the Bohol Island State University (BISU)-Candijay Campus, who had been missing for two days, was found dead on Tuesday, leading to the arrest of his nephew in connection with the killing. The victim, Dexter Timbal Hinayon, also known as “Dex,” served as the director of the Cashier’s Office at BISU-Candijay Campus and was also the store manager of Kusina Nitibo Restaurant. According to Major Joseph Lopena, acting chief of the Provincial Community Affairs and Development Unit and information officer of the Bohol Police Provincial Office, the Candijay Police Station received an update from the victim’s sister, Eunice, at about 9:25 a.m. on Tuesday. Lopena stated that the victim’s cellphone was recovered by the family at the restaurant. Information obtained from conversations stored on the device helped investigators identify a suspect and trace the location where Hinayon’s body was found. Police discovered the victim’s body inside a sack in a grassy area of Nasarok Hills in Purok 3, Barangay Can-olin. Investigators said Hinayon was allegedly strangled at one location before his body was dumped at another site nearby. His mouth had been taped shut, his hands were bound, and his knees and chest were secured with adhesive tape. Police identified the suspect as Jesse Requiz, 18, the victim’s nephew. Requiz’s father is Hinayon’s first cousin. Initial investigation showed that the suspect had allegedly demanded P2,000 from the victim. Hinayon reportedly gave him P1,000, which investigators believe triggered the fatal attack. Lopena said police went to the school where the suspect was at the time and invited him for questioning. During the investigation, Requiz allegedly confessed to the crime. Authorities have to file a murder case against the suspect as the investigation continues to determine the full circumstances surrounding the killing. Hinayon’s death sent shockwaves through the BISU-Candijay community, where he was affectionately known as “Mr. Smile” for his cheerful personality and active involvement in community activities. In a statement, the Campus Student Organizations of BISU-Candijay paid tribute to Hinayon. “His smile, compassion, and the lives he influenced will continue to live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.” The student organizations also extended their sympathies to the victim’s family and loved ones. “As a community, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, friends, and everyone mourning this loss. May they find strength in one another and peace in the assurance that love never ends, even when life does.”