Task force to solve coed's rape-slay formed

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines  – The Albay police has formed a task force to investigate the rape and murder of Bicol University (BU) student Laesybil Almonacid in Barangay Bascaran, Daraga, Albay.

Senior Superintendent William Macavinta, Albay police director, said witnesses have identified at least two suspects.

“We have their names now but we will keep them confidential until additional evidence are gathered to warrant their arrests. We would like to be very careful in handling this case,” Macavinta told The STAR after a press conference at Camp Simeon Ola here yesterday morning.

Quoting a crime laboratory report, Macavinta said Almonacid, a third-year accounting student, died of strangulation. Almonacid’s body was found some 50 meters away from their house.

Meanwhile, BU president Fay Lea Patria Lauraya condemned the rape and murder of Almonacid.

“BU mourns the untimely death of Laesybil, a diligent and highly promising individual contributing to the university’s academic excellence.

The university condemns all acts of violence and lawlessness and grieves that Laesybil died through such inhuman act. BU calls on the authorities to bring to justice the perpetrators.

“We condole with the Almonacid family and pray for peace,” Lauraya said in a statement.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda also ordered the authorities to use the full force of the law to bring the suspects in the rape-slay to justice.