Suspect in 2024 killing of Laguna couple over business dispute arrested

MABITAC, Laguna — A 56-year-old man wanted for the killing of a live-in couple in Mabitac, Laguna, two years ago has been arrested. 

The suspect, identified as Isagani Hiyas, was tracked down by operatives of the Mabitac police and the Regional Intelligence Division of the Calabarzon police at a store in Barangay 61, Real, Quezon.

Authorities said Hiyas allegedly shot live-in partners William Talisik and Margie Serrano in front of his house in Barangay Namunga on July 10, 2024.

Margie’s mother, Marilou Serrano, expressed gratitude following the suspect’s arrest, saying her prayers for Hiyas to be apprehended had finally been answered.

“Ngayon pong nahuli na yung suspect, magkakamit na po sila ng katarungan na mag-asawa. Ang battle na lang po namin ngayon yung court battle. Mabulok siya. Kung kailangan kailangan po, sa Muntinlupa nga yan idala na,” said Marilou.

Hiyas, however, claimed that he acted only in self-defense after the victims allegedly attacked, insulted and humiliated him in front of his house. He also claimed that the victims were armed with a gun and a knife.

“Sa pag-aagawan ho namin, hindi sinasadyang tinamaan yung asawa niyang babae, tapos yung lalaki bumagsak po kami, nagkaka-agawan pa rin po kami, nakadalawa hong putok, yun pangatlong putok yun po ang lalaki po ang tinamaan,” Hiyas said.

Authorities said alleged rivalry over a handicraft business was the motive behind the killings.

Police said they launched a manhunt after the Regional Trial Court Branch 166 in Siniloan, Laguna issued a warrant for Hiyas’ arrest for two counts of murder.

PBGen Dominic Baccay, regional director of the Calabarzon police, said Hiyas moved from one place to another to evade arrest.

“Pagkatapos niyang patayin itong mga biktima, yung mag-asawa, nagpalipat-lipat ng lugar ito. Pumunta ng Bicol at kung saan-saang lugar para hindi siya matuntun. Pero again, eventually, nahuli natin siya sa Real, Quezon,” Baccay said.

Hiyas was detained at the Mabitac Police Station. The court did not recommend bail for his temporary release.