CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (Philippines): The family of a 20-year-old nursing student found dead in a vacant lot in Barangay Sapul here is seeking justice, vowing to continue speaking out until the truth behind her death is uncovered and those responsible are held accountable.
Police said the body of the victim, identified only as “Maru,” was discovered at a vacant lot in Barangay Sapul in the early hours of Saturday (Nov 7), prompting the Oriental Mindoro Police Provincial Office to intensify its investigation.
"Maru is my cousin. She does not wear revealing clothes. She does not wander around aimlessly, and she never leaves home without an important reason.
"We are standing together as a family for Maru. We will continue to speak up, stand strong, and seek justice until the truth comes out and those responsible are held accountable," a relative said in a Facebook post.
Relatives also expressed faith that justice would prevail, saying: “We believe that there is no secret that will remain uncovered, and no injustice that cannot be overcome through the power of God. Justice will come from God.”
In a statement, the police said personnel of the Calapan City Police Station immediately responded after receiving the report.
Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) were also deployed to process the area and conduct a post-mortem examination to help determine the cause and circumstances of her death.
Provincial police director Col. Efraim Camara ordered a thorough investigation, directing concerned units to pursue all possible leads, expand information-gathering efforts, review available closed-circuit television footage and identify potential witnesses and persons of interest.
“No aspect of this case will be neglected,” Camara said in a statement on Sunday.
Investigators are also coordinating with barangay officials and other concerned units to gather information that could help solve the case and identify those who may be liable.
Meanwhile, Bongabong Mayor Michael Malaluan has offered a P100,000 reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the identification of the perpetrators.
The Oriental Mindoro police extended their condolences to the victim’s family and assured them that all necessary steps would be taken to establish the circumstances surrounding her death and pursue justice.
Authorities urged anyone with relevant information to contact the nearest police station. They also appealed to the public to refrain from spreading unverified information while the investigation is ongoing.
“The police remain committed to resolving this case. We will ensure every lead is examined and that anyone proven responsible will be held accountable under the law,” Camara said. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
