Police probe foul play in senior citizen’s death

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Police are investigating possible foul play in the death of a senior citizen who was found dead Tuesday morning, Jan. 27, in Sitio Aliwas, Barangay Burias, Mambusao, Capiz.

Authorities said items believed to belong to the victim—salt, sugar, bread, and an umbrella—were found about 2 meters away from her body.

Police have not ruled out sexual abuse, noting that the zipper of the victim’s shorts was found open.

Investigators are awaiting the results of the examination by the Scene of the Crime Operatives and the autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Police Officer 3 Ivan Camacho, the case officer of the Mambusao Municipal Police Station, said investigators have identified persons of interest as the probe continues.

“We already have persons of interest, and we are deepening the investigation so that justice will be served,” Camacho said.

The victim, identified by the alias Diday, 74, was found dead at about 11:25 a.m. by a concerned citizen in a forested area about a kilometer from her home.

Police said they immediately responded after receiving a report about the presence of the victim.

According to the victim’s husband, identified by the alias Eloteleo, 80, his wife left their home at about 7 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, to buy salt from a store about 3 kilometers away.

He said he was later informed that his wife was last seen at about 8 a.m. walking along an improvised bamboo bridge.

Concerned over her prolonged absence, the husband sought assistance from the police.

On Tuesday morning, a resident discovered the victim’s body with a piece of a sack tied around her neck.

Police said the investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and identify possible suspects.