The First Filipino Serial Killer in the Philippines — Father Severino Mallari

He flitted through woods under the cover of the night to satiate the bloodlust of his machete…or was it?

In the 1800s, a string of murders occurred within the small cradle of Magalang, Pampanga. Rendering the Spaniards and Filipino natives horrified, thinking that they might be next in line. Thus, a hunt began. However the hunt did not bear fruit until 1826, when a young Filipino parish priest became a prime suspect for the horrendous killings.

A Killer Priest?

Juan Severino Mallari was a theology graduate at the University of Santo Tomas and was ordained priesthood in 1809. He was assigned in the small parish church of Magalang in the province of Pampanga as the first Filipino priest serving its altar, and became a well-beloved parish church in the town due to magnanimousness.

In 1826, Father Mallari caught an unknown illness that saddened the whole town of Magalang. However, that all changed when he was labeled as the prime suspect with the murder of 57 people. 

Due to his inability to take care of himself because of his illness, Fr. Mallari needed attendants to look after his needs. However, one day, in a coincidental circumstance, his attendants found the bloody belongings of the 57 killed people, in his home. From then on, he was convicted of murder and was brought to Manila for imprisonment.

A Cure for His Mother

Father Juan Severino Mallari was also known for his deep love towards his mother. However, days upon the arrival of his mother in Magalang after he was ordained as priest, she allegedly became a victim of witchcraft and became ill. According to accounts, Fr. Mallari believed that by killing his parishioners, it will be able to take him closer to curing the ailment of his mother.

Psychosis

Although ‘historical’ accounts have recorded that the killings happened due to Mallari’s quest to cure his mother, medical experts say otherwise. 

According to Psychiatrist-turned-historian Dr. Luciano Santiago, who wrote the biography of Father Severino Mallari; the Filipino priest was probably suffering from psychosis. He further added that the priest should’ve been sent to a mental institution instead of being convicted in prison.

— Father Mallari was also the first Filipino parish priest who served the parish of Magalang, and was the first Filipino priest to be executed by the Spanish government. Eventually, Father Mallari was then dubbed as the first recorded Filipino serial killer in the Philippines.