TACLOBAN CITY – A 21-year-old woman who worked as a collector for CARD(Center for Agriculture and Rural Development) Inc., a microfinance group, and had been missing since Aug. 3 was found dead in a remote mountainous area of Isabel, Leyte, after a ‘habal-habal’ driver surrendered to police and allegedly confessed to killing her.
Police identified the victim only as alias “Rose,” a resident of Isabel and a native of Matag-ob, Leyte. The suspect, alias “Paulo,” 20, a habal-habal driver and resident of Isabel, is now under police custody.
The Isabel Municipal Police Station said Paulo went to the police station at about 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 9 and voluntarily confessed to his involvement in Rose’s disappearance.
Police accompanied the suspect to Sitio Ilaya in Barangay Matlang, where he allegedly led them to the location where he said he killed and abandoned the victim.
Responding officers found Rose lying face down in an advanced state of decomposition.
Initial investigation showed that at about 10 a.m. on Aug. 3, Paulo allegedly persuaded Rose to accompany him to collect money from a supposed borrower. He reportedly told her that he also needed to settle his monthly dues with CARD-Isabel Branch, where she worked as a collector.
The two traveled by motorcycle to the mountainous portion of Sitio Ilaya before leaving the motorcycle and proceeding on foot toward what Paulo allegedly claimed was the borrower’s residence.
According to police, Rose eventually became suspicious, resulting in an argument between the two. Paulo allegedly admitted that he strangled the victim during the confrontation, causing her death.
The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) team processed the area and gathered possible forensic evidence. Police investigators are continuing to establish the motive and other circumstances surrounding the killing.
Paulo remains in the custody of the Isabel MPS and is expected to face appropriate criminal charges.
Rose’s disappearance had earlier prompted concern among her family, friends and colleagues, as efforts were made to locate her.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
