“P38K ang presyo, kulong ang sukli”: Stolen cow recovered in Santa Maria, Isabela; Farmer arrested

SANTA MARIA, Isabela — A farmer was arrested after allegedly stealing a cow and selling it for ₱38,000 in Santa Maria, Isabela on August 24, 2026.

The suspect, identified as alias “Winston,” 53, a farmer and resident of Barangay Calamagui West, was arrested by personnel of the Santa Maria Municipal Police Station (MPS) after the missing cow was traced to Barangay Naganacan.

The cow’s owner, alias “Jaime,” 25, also a resident of Calamagui West, reported the animal missing to the Santa Maria MPS after discovering its disappearance on Monday afternoon.

According to the report of the police provided to XFM Santiago, the animal was later located with the help of the victim’s friends, alias “Ruben,” 22, and alias “Elmer,” a construction worker, who helped recover the cow.

Police investigation showed that the cow had allegedly been offered for sale for ₱38,000 to alias “John,” 19, a caretaker from Barangay San Rafael East. The transaction reportedly helped police identify and locate the alleged thief.

Winston was brought to the Santa Maria MPS and is expected to face charges for violation of Presidential Decree No. 533, or the Anti-Cattle Rustling Law of 1974.

The recovered cow was returned to its owner.

Similar cattle-rustling cases in Isabela

In Palanan, Isabela, four suspected cattle rustlers were arrested and eight carabaos were recovered during an anti-cattle-rustling operation on March 25, 2026. Police said the animals were being led along roads in Barangays Dialawyao and Culasi, but the suspects failed to present proof of ownership or documents for the animals. The suspects were subsequently taken into police custody and faced charges.

Another case was also reported in Tumauini, where police said three cattle-rustling incidents had been recorded in 2026 as of February, including one in which an eight-year-old cow worth ₱45,000 was recovered and returned to its owner.

The series of incidents has prompted authorities in Isabela to intensify police visibility, patrols, intelligence gathering, and coordination with barangay officials, livestock owners, and traders to prevent the theft and illegal sale of livestock.