EDITORIAL - Pin down the real culprit

The Ashley Abad case has taken a new twist with the revelation by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte that she was after all the source of the party drug Ecstasy during a pre-Sinulog party that fateful night of January 19.

Though he did not name his source, Duterte based his remarks on the forensic examination of the 19-year-old girl’s cellphone showing that she was carrying Ecstasy before she collapsed and was rushed to the hospital.

Good thing Abad’s family opted to remain silent on the president’s pronouncement, only saying they are still consulting with their legal counsel. They are, however, expected to come up with their own evidence challenging Duterte’s remarks.

It’s very unfortunate that Abad, whose death from an Ecstasy overdose shocked the nation, can no longer defend herself. Had she been able to speak before her death, things would have been clearer. But, as they say, dead men tell no tales.

In spite of this development, the police remain firm in their plan to file a case against Abad’s boyfriend. It was earlier reported that the drug that Abad had taken may have come from her boyfriend, Nel Spencer Tiu, and six other friends.

Cebu City Police Office director Senior Superintendent Royina Garma said their case will have no connection to the president’s revelation, opting not to comment on his statements since Duterte has his own sources.

What is really important is for authorities to be able to trace the source of the party drugs that found their way into the pockets of those youngsters. The investigation should expand beyond whether Tiu or Abad herself should be blamed for her death.

We want Abad’s family to achieve speedy justice. And that can only happen if authorities are able to pin down the real culprit, the one who supplied the party drugs to the victim and her friends.