Town’s beauty queen raped, murdered

BAGUIO CITY — No amicable settlement.

This was the firm stand of the family of 16-year-old Marilou Toyaoan, newly crowned beauty queen of Buguias, Benguet who was raped and murdered by the husband of her first cousin.

Toyaoan, who just graduated from high school, left their home in the morning of April 13 to attend a friend’s birthday party.

She never returned. Two days later, her body was found in a creek in Sitio Lab-an in Barangay Loo, Buguias town.

The suspect, Donato Dimaisip, 27, reportedly confessed to the crime last Thursday. Charges of murder with rape, which carries the death penalty, are being readied against him.

Toyaoan’s mother Minchita said they will not agree to any amicable settlement, adding that some residents have offered their help in prosecuting the suspect.

Buguias Mayor Apolinario Camsol said his office is ready to assist the Toyaoans. "The heinous crime was done not only to the Toyaoan family, but to the whole community," he said.

Benguet Gov. Raul Molintas has condemned the rape-slaying and expressed hope that justice would take its course.