Cops assure investigation ongoing; asks public not to speculate

CEBU, Philippines — Police are still investigating the motive behind the killing of a 27-year-old woman who was discovered lifeless with her hair burned in her rented house at Sitio Laguna, Barangay Bulacao, Cebu City last Friday, August 2, 2024.

Police Major Jeciree Basitao, head of Inayawan Police Station, said their investigation is still ongoing behind the death of Charina Baoy Relativo, but disclosed that they are exploring all possibilities, including personal grudges.

She added they are also waiting for the autopsy report, which will be provided by the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO).

“As of now, naa tay gitan-aw na anggulo so magbase lang gihapon ta sa autopsy report nu. Kay base on initial findings kung tan-awon nimo, limpyo man. Pero ang visible na signs didto is katong nasunog ang ulo,” said Basitao.

With this, Basitao said it's too early to conclude anything about the crime, including the motive and the suspect.

Social media posts and articles have been circulating, suggesting Relativo was raped before being killed, and that a certain man has been identified behind the killing.

“As of now, dili pa ta kahatag og unsa gud ang manner of committing the crime. Ang nakita man nila is nakahubot-hubad, nakahandusay, nasunog ang ulo. Too early pa to conclude,” Basitao added.

Relativo, a native of Barangay Bulasa, Argao, Cebu, had relocated to Cebu City for her job as a saleslady at a mall. She was living in a rented house with her live-in-partner and his brother.

A butane stove was also found at the scene, and her hair was burned from a fire caused by it.

Initial investigation revealed that the victim's partner, who worked as a housekeeper in a building, had left work around 7 am while Relativo was still asleep—the last time he saw her alive.

Around 10 am, the live-in partner became concerned and uneasy when Relativo did not respond to his messages and calls. He asked their neighbor, Darren, to check on her, and the latter also called another neighbor, Tony, to accompany him.

Upon their arrival, Tony and Darren reportedly found Relativo lifeless and naked, which led them to call the Inayawan Police Station.

Basitao disclosed that they have already invited five individuals who could assist in solving the case, including the live-in partner, the live-in partner’s brother, a certain Opaw, and Tony and Darren.

Of the five invited, only Darren, who was the first to see Relativo's lifeless body, did not attend.

Basitao stressed that Darren was simply invited to coordinate with authorities to help clarify the case, as he was the one asked by the live-in partner to wake the victim up.

“I just want to clarify nga dili siya. As of now, we cannot conclude nga he is the suspect. Ato lang siyang gi awhag nga mopatim-aw just to number, to clarify his name, and number 2 para makapangayo tag additional information,” said Basitao.

The brother of the victim’s live-in partner said he was in their hometown of Carcar at the time of the incident, while alias Opaw was also invited for questioning because they had a drinking spree with Darren the night before the incident.

Authorities also determined that there are no CCTV cameras in the area that could help in providing footage.

Call to the public

Police are grateful to the public and netizens who have contributed to giving clarity to the case and those who have shown sympathy for the victim and her family. However, they also remind people to stick to the facts and avoid spreading misinformation.

“Kung unsa ang information nga tan-aw nato factual, based on facts nya mga information nga makatabang sa pagsulbad sa atong kaso, yon lang doon tayoo mag stick. Huwag ng mag share kung kani nga information hindi naman validated or dili naman based on facts,” Basitao emphasized.

Relativo's body has been returned to her hometown in Argao, and her parents are calling for justice for the brutal killing of their daughter. — (FREEMAN)