DCPO creates a task group for swift justice to rape-slay victim
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) created Special Investigation Task Group Bragas after the autopsy results confirmed that the slain 28-year-old architect dumped on a banana plantation in Barangay Dacudao, Calinan, was indeed raped.
Col Thor Valiente Cuyos of the Deputy Regional Director Office will head the SITG, the Davao City Police Office will co-chair the group, and the Criminal Detection and Investigation Group as a member.
“[The Task Group was created] in order to focus our investigation on this case in collaboration with other units for the early resolution,” DCPO chief Col Alberto Lupaz said.
In an interview on Thursday, Major Catherine Dela Rey, DCPO spokesperson, said they received the autopsy result from the Regional Forensic Unit XI on the body of Vlanche Marie Bragas.
The victim died from asphyxia after she was choked to death. The autopsy also showed clear evidence of recent genital trauma. As a result, they elevated the case to rape with homicide.
Bragas was found in a prone position covered by dried banana leaves at an open canal on the banana plantation owned by Sarbac Company.
The victim was reported missing around 12:30 a.m. and was last seen on board a yellow tricycle at Crossing Fausta, Calinan District. A witness claimed that there was another male passenger when she hailed the Bajaj three-wheeler (Ongbak).
When asked if more than one perpetrator touched the victim, Dela Rey said the autopsy did not specify that detail.
Suspects?
As of this writing, she said they still have no leads to identify the perpetrators. But they urge potential witnesses to come out and help with the investigation.
However, Lupaz has directed the police station commanders to use all resources to track down the tricycle based on the CCTV footage. He told them to start on the associations of tricycle drivers or dealers that sell the same type of tricycle.
On Wednesday night, the DCPO chief also visited the victim’s family at Durian Village in Calinan to extend his condolences and promise justice for Bragas’ gruesome death.
“The DCPO strongly condemns the inhuman act and assures that best efforts will be exerted in the investigation of the case for prompt identification and arrest of the suspect,” Lupaz said.
Meanwhile, the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Davao Chapter condemned the crime.
“We stand united in condemning the heinous act that befell Ar. Vlanche Marie Bragas .The news of her rape and subsequent abandonment in a desolate grassland has utterly shocked and anguished us. This unspeakable act goes against the very fabric of humanity and the principles we hold dear as architects, professionals, and fellow human beings,” it said.
“We cannot fathom the pain and anguish you and your family are enduring. As a chapter, we also sympathize with the UAP Alpha chapter for losing a valuable member. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, as we hope you find solace and strength in the memories of Ar. Vlanche Marie Bragas,” it added.
