NBI asked to handle rape-slay of 10-yr-old

Malacañang asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) yesterday to step into the case of Ma. Christina Suyo, a 10-year-old rape-slay victim, after the Marikina Prosecutor’s Office released Tuesday seven of the eight suspects due to insufficiency of evidence.

The victim’s father, Benjamin Suyo, 55, a retired seaman, asked for Malacañang’s intervention. The body of Ma. Cristina was recovered inside a black garbage bag in an open canal near their home in Narra St., Barangay Marikina Heights last Oct. 6.

Earlier, 2nd Assistant Prosecutor Nestor Gapuzan recommended the release of seven of the eight suspects for lack of evidence. Released were Cesar Arazola, 51, and his relatives, Noel, Rizaldy, Claro, Allan Gepiga, Ferdinand Miranda, and his nephew Richel.

The victim’s aunt, Edith Suyo, 61, fears that the release of the seven suspects would lead to the exoneration of the remaining suspect, Melvin Arazola, 25. Arazola confessed to the rape-slay of Suyo, and cleared the seven suspects, which led to their release.

"We are disappointed after hearing the resolution of the prosecutors. Is the body of Ma. Cristina not enough evidence to prove that she was brutaly murdered? Edit said.

After getting wind of the Suyo family’s fears, Malacañang referred the case to NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco. — Non Alquitran