SAN JOSE CITY, Nueva Ecija — A 27-year-old man was arrested for allegedly killing his 21-year-old cousin and dumping her body in an irrigation canal in Barangay Malasin, police said Friday.

The victim, identified only as alias Cristine, a resident of Barangay Parista in Lupao, was found dead by two joggers along the irrigation canal at around 2 a.m. on 27 May. Police said she sustained injuries to the back of her head believed to have been inflicted with a blunt object.

Investigators traced the victim's last known movements through witness accounts and CCTV footage, leading to the arrest of alias Manuel, a delivery rider from Barangay Kita-kita. Prior to the incident, the victim had been drinking with the suspect, her 19-year-old boyfriend identified as alias Dexter, and another cousin, alias Clarisse, 18.

Police said CCTV footage showed the victim and the suspect leaving together on a motorcycle to buy food during the drinking session. However, the suspect later returned alone.

During questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted to the killing and told investigators that jealousy drove him to commit the crime. He also claimed that he and the victim had previously been involved in a romantic relationship despite being first cousins.

The suspect is now facing a murder complaint before the city prosecutor's office.