A number of netizens have dubbed the revelations and reactions from both parties in the death of flight attendant Christine Dacera a “circus.” The hashtag #JusticeforChristineDacera continues to be used as people are demanding greater transparency on the events that transpired before her passing, and for a fair investigation of the 11 suspects.
On Jan. 6, the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office ordered the release of Rommel Galido, John Pascual Dela Serna III and John Paul Halili. The three suspects had been in custody since Jan. 1, their arrest for provisional rape and homicide charges announced by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Debold Sinas on Jan. 4.
In a statement, Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento explained the court’s decision:
“After a thorough evaluation of the facts and evidence presented during inquest proceedings, the Office of the City Prosecutor, Makati City resolved to refer the case for further investigation and to release the arrested persons from detention.” The office also ordered the police to submit additional evidence such as “a DNA analysis report, toxicology/chemical analysis, and the histopath examination report.”
In an interview with “24 Oras,” Sharon Dacera, mother of Christine, reacted to the news of the suspects’ release. “Eh ‘di wow nga! Eh ‘di wow, wow, wow! Ganoon na lang sabihin ko sa kanila. Sige lang. Alam ng Diyos ang totoo,” she said. “Tatay Digong, kailangan ko po kayo sa laban na ito… I need more prayers but ‘yung kamay na bakal para sa mga taong gumawa ng ganitong karumaldumal sa anak ko po, tatay, parusahan ninyo na po.”
A number of netizens took to Twitter to talk about their doubts about the elder Dacera. There’s a clip from an interview circulating on social media where netizens speculate that Dacera was shedding crocodile tears. Some also compared her to Thelma Chiong, mother of Marijoy and Jacqueline Chiong who were reportedly raped and killed in 1997.
However, others say that it’s far too early to make such conclusions.
Inquirer.net released a timeline of Dacera’s case, the details of which have been the subject of much speculation. Despite lacking conclusive evidence and being cautioned by watchdogs, the PNP considered the “case closed” on Jan. 5, with Sinas calling for a “manhunt” for the remaining suspects on Jan. 6. The Makabayan bloc has called for a House probe on the police’s “mishandling” of the case.
In a news conference held on Jan. 7, four of the suspects maintained their innocence. Galido, dela Serna, Valentine Rosales and Clark Rapinan appealed to the Dacera family and said that none of them are capable of abusing their friend Christine. Rosales stated that there was no straight guy at the party, disputing Makati police chief Col. Harold Depositar’s claim that gay men under the influence of liquor are capable of sexually abusing a woman.
Citing security concerns, the suspects’ legal counsel Atty. Mike Santiago appealed to Sen. Manny Pacquiao and ACT-CIS party list Rep. Eric Yap to recall the bounty they’re offering for the capture of the remaining suspects in the case.
Photo courtesy of Inquirer.net
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