A bakery owner in Antipolo City, Philippines, is in custody following allegations of killing seven colleagues after a birthday celebration on April 22, 2025. The accused, Bogart Ramirez, reportedly stabbed his co-workers at J&B Malunggay Bakery, where they all worked and lived.
As per police reports, the discovery of the victims occurred early Tuesday morning after a villager heard cries and alerted the authorities. Officers arrived to find seven men with multiple stab injuries on the floor of the bakery, which was locked.
One victim was alive but died en route to the hospital. The Rizal Police Provincial Office confirmed the victims were bakery employees residing on-site.
Ramirez, 32, turned himself in at the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame two hours after the discovery. “I surrendered because I have nowhere to go anyway,” he stated during questioning. “If I leave town, they will still catch me.”
The suspect alleged a dispute with his business partner, one of the victims, as the motive. Ramirez claimed he overheard plans to kill him for sole control of the bakery, asserting that most victims were relatives of his partner.
Ramirez admitted to providing alcohol to the victims during his birthday before the attack. He confessed to using two knives in the assault while his co-workers were allegedly intoxicated and fighting.
Police Colonel Felipe Maraggun expressed skepticism about Ramirez’s account, suggesting the possibility of an accomplice. Investigators are evaluating whether the victims were sedated prior to the attack. A gin bottle given by Ramirez is under laboratory examination for sedatives.
Investigations show the victims endured multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma. A hammer was discovered, potentially used alongside the knives.
Among the deceased were two minors employed at the bakery. Authorities have withheld victim identities pending family notification, but confirmed the bakery owner was among the dead.
Colonel Maraggun highlighted suspicion over Ramirez being unharmed despite allegedly overpowering seven people, questioning the alignment of the crime scene with the suspect’s self-defense claim.
Ramirez detailed the killings, claiming he overpowered the intoxicated men. He reported surrendering to police immediately after the incident.
Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage near the bakery to verify Ramirez’s statements and assess other suspect involvement. Post-mortem examinations are underway to confirm the cause of death and collect forensic evidence.
The incident has unsettled residents of Barangay Cupang, Antipolo City, east of Manila, known for its tranquility.
Police are conducting a comprehensive background check on Ramirez, including his mental health history. He remains in custody as formal charges are prepared.
Investigators continue to explore all potential motives, including business disputes or personal conflicts, in this case.
The J&B Malunggay Bakery incident is one of the most violent in Antipolo City in recent years.
