MANILA, Philippines – The Makati City Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday ordered the release for further investigation of three suspects who have been detained by authorities in connection with the death of 23-year old Christine Angelica Dacera.
Prosecutor General Ben Malcontento said city prosecutor’s office, after a “thorough evaluation of the facts and evidence presented during inquest proceedings, resolved to refer the case for further investigation.”
He said it will be conducted to determine whether Dacera was raped and/or killed, and if yes, whether the identified suspects were responsible for the crime. It also seeks to determine whether the death was by reason or on occasion of rape or for other reasons – the actual cause of death.
Those ordered to be released from detention are John Pascual Dela Serna III, Rommel Galido, and John Paul Halili. They are facing a criminal complaint of rape with homicide.
The same complaint against the other respondents wo remain at large, namely, Gregorio Angelo Rafael De Guzman, Clark Rapinan, Valentine Rosales, Mark Anthony Rosales, Rey Ingles y Mabini, Louie De Lima, Jammyr Cunanan, and alias Ed Madrid, shall also undergo the same preliminary investigation.
The preliminary investigation is set for January 13.
In the three-page resolution, the investigating prosecutor also directed police officers to submit additional evidence, such as the DNA analysis report, toxicology/chemical analysis, and the histopath examination report.
Dacera was found unconscious in the bathtub of a Makati Hotel room on January 1. She was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Initial investigation showed she had checked-in at the hotel to attend a party with some friends.
Her reported cause of death was a ruptured aortic aneurysm but police investigators believe she was raped due to markings on her body that allegedly indicate sexual contact.
Her family suspects she was drugged and sexually abused.
The Department of Justice said the National Bureau of Investigation’s forensic team will assist the Philippine National Police in determining the “true cause of death” of Dacera.
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