Suspects in murder of Silliman student fall

CEBU, Philippines - In just four days, the two suspects in the brutal murder of a 25-year-old business administration student in Silliman University were arrested in Moalboal, Cebu last Monday.

Christopher Nerona, 30, and Lelbe Mabanag, 37, who are both residents of Barangay Basdiot, Moalboal, Cebu were apprehended by the joint elements of Moalboal Police Station and Sibulan Police Station.

Last November 6, Myra Abrenica Gabato died at their rented house at Barangay Poblacion of Sibulan town, Negros Oriental  after sustaining multiple stab wounds in her body while her sister, Melanie, suffered bruises after being hogtied while her mouth was covered.

Melanie who survived was the one who called her family in Moalboal about what happened after the suspects left.

Moalboal Police Station chief Inspector Edgar Labe said that Sibulan Police Station Chief Senior Inspector Antonio Detoya arrived at Moalboal at 11 a.m. last Monday. They proceeded to Barangay Basdiot at around 2 p.m. after the presence of the two suspects was confirmed.

Labe said that Nerona and Mabanag did not resist arrest. They both confessed the crime during  interrogation. They said they were under the influence of illegal drugs when they committed the crime.

Labe said that it was Mabanag who was hired to carry the things of the Gabato sisters when they moved in the house owned by Pamela Jansen last October 26.

The police said Mabanag learned the Gabato sisters had money since he heard that their father, Juan, sent Myra to pay for the container van of her fiancée. Also, they would usually lend money to the suspects before.

When he went home to Moalboal, he called Nerona and told him that they should return to Gabato’s house since she has a lot of money.

Last November 6, at 2 p.m., they took the Liloan to Sibulan route. They stayed inside the bathroom while waiting for the victims to come. They were able to take P16,400 from the wallets of the Gabato sisters before they left.

Nerona first left the crime scene, washed his shirt in the sea and left it near the multicab terminal in front of Sibulan gymnasium.

The suspects went back to Moalboal via Tampi in Amlan. During the wake, Mabanag and Nerona also visited and took vigil.

It was learned that both wives of Nerona and Mabanag are relatives of their victims.

Nerona told the police that he had no plans of killing Myra but was only forced since he was already bitten and hurt by the victim. Mabanag also admitted being responsible for tying Melanie and banging her head on the wall.

The two suspects were brought to Sibulan Police Station via Santander. Charges for murder and serious physical injuries will be filed against Mabanag and Nerona. – (FREEMAN)