Montebons: Moving on from pain a challenge

CEBU, Philippines - It has been over a month since they lost their daughter to a senseless killing inside their own home in Lapu-Lapu City, but moving on remains a challenge for both James and Emelinda Montebon.

Emelinda said she is trying to move on but the pain of losing Karen Kaye, 17, was too much to bear. The mother said it pains her every time she is reminded of her daughter.

“Naay moment nga ma-miss namo si Karen. Dili malikayan nga mahisgutan kay dapat naa siya kuyog namo karon nga nagkaon sa lamesa, sa church. Karon lahi na. I–accept nalang namo ang pain but we have to move on,” Emelinda.

Karen Kaye was murdered on September 15 inside their house at Corinthians Subdivision in Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City. The first year accountancy student at the University of San Carlos was found dead by her father inside her room.

The Montebon couple is undergoing counseling to help them recover from the trauma of losing a loved one. The family is also getting help from the Crusade Against Violence headed by Thelma Chiong.

The couple yesterday visited the grave of their daughter to offer prayers and flowers, and light candles. James said it is their prayers that justice will be served to his daughter.

“Dili mi ganahan nga malimtan sa police ang kaso sa akong anak kay parehas sa uban nga basin nalimtan na. Nangita gihapon mi ug hustisya,” he said.

Although the alleged culprit, Ruben Fernandez, was already dead after he was gunned down by still unidentified assailant in Nasingin Island, Getafe, Bohol, James said he wants the police to pursue the investigation.

“Ni-text man ko ni (Superintendent Marlon) Tayaba nga i-update ko kay kato nalang forensic examination ang among gihuwat. Nakakuha man sila og buhok sa kwarto ug sa silong,” James said.

Tayaba, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-7, earlier said that the strands of hair found at the crime scene were subjected to forensic examinations.

The investigation is to determine whether Fernandez committed the crime alone or has accomplices. Part of the investigation is to determine whether Fernandez’ live-in partner, Jenalyn Soon, has participated in the crime.

The police are also looking at the possible liability of Fernandez’s sister, Maria Juvelyn alias Ibyang, after some of the items stolen from the victim was recovered from her. She was also tagged by witnesses as the one who pawned some of the stolen items.

“Wala pa mabalik, ang iPad ug relo nako naa sa CIDG.  Ang DSLR naa sa Lapu-Lapu City Police Office. Kung mahuman ang investigation, pwede na makuha,” James said.

 Emelinda said they are hoping that the forensic examination is done for the CAV to also take the necessary actions to help them in the case.

“Niadto sila didto. Niingon nga willing sila mutabang namo kay naa man silay mga lawyers. Pero gihuwat lang sa namo ang result sa forensic,” Emelinda said.  (FREEMAN)