PHILIPPINE National Police Officer-in-Charge (PNP-OIC) Lieutenant General Vicente D. Danao Jr. on Saturday announced the solution of a rape-slay case in Cagayan de Oro (CDO) City last July 17 with the arrest of two suspects who were identified through patient police sleuthing.

“The swift police action and intensified intelligence operations of the Cagayan de Oro City police led to the arrest of the two suspects in the killing of a delivery rider and the rape of his girlfriend,” said the top cop.

Citing a report from Police Regional Office 10 (PRO 10) Director Brig. Gen. Benjamin C. Acorda Jr., the official said that a 33-year-old male suspect, resident of Sitio Tabaco in Barangay Puntod, Cagayan de Oro City, was arrested in San Roque in nearby Bgy. Lapasan, hours after the local police investigated the fatal stabbing of delivery rider Cris Semaña, 24, and the rape of the latter’s girlfriend.

A 2nd suspect, 33, a resident of St. John Puntod, also in the same city, was arrested in a follow-up operation two days later.

Lt. Gen. Danao said that the second suspect was identified in a police line-up by the slain victim’s girlfriend as the person who raped her after he and the other suspect attacked Semaña.

“I would like to commend the men and women of the Cagayan de Oro Police Office for their quick response to the case, which resulted in the arrest of the suspects. As what we promised to the victims’ families, we will give them justice,” Lt. Gen. Danao said.

The PNP-OIC said that follow-up operations are still underway to arrest a 3rd suspect.

All suspects will be facing criminal rape and murder cases in connection with the incident, the PRO 10 said.

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Alfred P. Dalizon