Burial Set for Slain Capiz Mother, Daughter Today

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By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The burial of a mother and her daughter, who were brutally killed on May 7 inside their home in Sitio Riles, Barangay Lanot, is set today, May 17.

According to a social media post, Elma A. Perla, 73, and her daughter Ruby Jane Perla Bernales, 36, will be laid to rest at Loctugan Cemetery following a 2 p.m. mass at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Barangay Lonoy.

Police are still investigating the double killing, with no suspects officially named, as the family continues to seek justice.

Ruel Orson Perla, a relative of the victims, posted on Facebook urging the public to help find those responsible.

“To the killer of my mother and my sister, Satanas is waiting for you!” he wrote.

“And to you, mama and sister, the Lord will give you both love and eternal life.”

“The Lord will be with you both now and forever.”

“And to you, my sister Ruby, I love you ‘coz you’re my sister.”

“I will miss you, my love, my sister Ruby and mama Elma. Goodbye. Rest in peace.”

Police said they have identified three persons of interest but have not released their names while the investigation continues.

Lt. Col. Ricardo Jomuad, the new Roxas City police chief, said the case remains under active investigation.

The bodies of the victims were discovered around 10:20 a.m. on May 7 inside their home, lying in pools of blood with severe head injuries believed to have been caused by a hard object.

Ruby Jane’s 8-year-old son, who is on the autism spectrum, reportedly sought help from a neighbor, shouting, “Wawa is going to the hospital. Open the door.”

Roselyn Padio, a niece and neighbor, said she rang the doorbell several times but got no response.

She then climbed the gate and entered through the unlocked kitchen door, where she found Elma lifeless and bloodied.

She later found Ruby Jane nearby, partially undressed and also covered in blood.

Responders from the Capiz Emergency Response Team confirmed the victims were already dead and did not transport them to the hospital.

Jomuad said the killings likely occurred between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m.

Autopsies have been conducted to determine the exact causes of death.

Closed-circuit television footage showed Ruby Jane’s car entering the property at 5:01 a.m., consistent with her usual return from work.

She reportedly arrived home around 4 a.m. and also worked part-time as a home-based tutor.

Neighbors told investigators they heard a commotion around 4 a.m. but assumed it was typical household activity.

Police found no signs of forced entry.

A bloodstained GI square tube found inside a kitchen cabinet is believed to be the possible murder weapon.

Col. Albert Tapulao, Capiz police director, said the motive may be a crime of passion but declined to elaborate while the investigation is ongoing.

Authorities are still verifying the identities and connections of those involved.