Panelo on Dacera case: Reserve judgement till all facts are in

In a statement, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo pointed out that there were many “speculations” about Dacera’s death that may not be accurate. (File photo: Office of the Presidential Spokesperson/Facebook)

MANILA – A Palace official on Wednesday urged the concerned parties to withhold judgement on the death of flight attendant Christine Angelica “Aica” Dacera until the investigation is completed.

In a statement, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo pointed out that there were many “speculations” about Dacera’s death that may not be accurate.

“Speculations are freely aired that may not jibe with what the real cause of death is and the circumstances surrounding it,” he said.

Dacera was found lifeless in a bathtub of a hotel in Makati City after celebrating New Year’s Eve with friends.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Dacera’s death was a “rape-slay” case which is already “solved” but the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said it cannot be considered “solved” until all the perpetrators had been held to account.

Panelo said it is best to wait for results of the investigation before making assumptions.

“Since the investigation on Christine’s death is on-going, we advise those who are concerned with the case to reserve their judgements until all the facts are in,” he added.

Currently, the PNP has only three of the 11 suspects in custody and has yet to release its medical findings.

“It is best that we await the final result of a thorough investigation by our law enforcement authorities. The autopsy report on the deceased is a guide to determine the cause of death,” he said.

Panelo also assured that once there is evidence, suspects will be prosecuted.

“Should there be evidence that a crime was committed, then this administration assures that the offenders thereof, regardless of who they are, will be dealt with in accordance with law that justice may be served,” he said.

Meanwhile, Panelo condoled with Dacera’s bereaved family.

Police reports showed that Dacera, a flight crew member of Philippine Airlines (PAL) Express, was found unconscious by her friends past noon on Jan. 1 in the bathtub of a room she rented at City Garden Grand Hotel in Makati.

She was rushed to Makati Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.

Makati Police chief Col. Harold Depositar said the initial report of the cause of death was a ruptured aortic aneurysm, which may be caused by various factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, infection, or sudden traumatic injury.

However, there are other factors at play as Dacera had lacerations, contusions, and scratches on her body and lacerations and sperm in her genitals.

Three of the suspects who are not under police custody have released statements on the matter, pleading their innocence.

CIDG steps in

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered its Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to help the Makati police in its probe.

“Now that’s why binigay ko na ang time (para sumuko sila) because after hindi sila magpakita, the CIDG will be filing direct contempt para makakuha kami ng warrant (of arrest). Kapag magka warrant may dahilan na we will take them forcibly na para lang managot sila (I have a given a time for them to surrender because if they don’t show up within that period, the CIDG will be filing direct contempt charges so we can secure a warrant of arrest. Once we have a warrant, we have a reason to take them forcibly so they will be held liable),” PNP chief, Gen. Debold Sinas told reporters in a chance interview.

Sinas was referring to the 72-hour ultimatum for the suspects to surrender to authorities.

“I issued doon sa kanila kasi (I issued it to them because) we already issued the subpoena. Baka nakalimutan natin na (We might have forgotten it but) the PNP now has the subpoena power. My authority is already delegated to the director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG),” he said.

Sinas also revealed that some of the suspects have sent surrender feelers.

“We are tracking them so that’s why we are appealing to the family to have them surrendered para mapabilis ang proseso. Our lines our open. Some of them have already made initial contacts (with us) and we are pushing through it to shed light on the case,” Sinas said.

Asked about the results of the autopsy report on Dacera, Sinas said it is likely that she was raped.

“We have discussed with the investigators and the other senior officers. I think there is really rape. Look, hindi ba yung babae may bruises, may confirmed lacerations tapos may fluid sa private parts niya hindi ba (The woman had bruises and there were confirmed lacerations and there was fluid in her private parts) but I will leave it to the investigators that really happened.”

Meanwhile, Sharon Dacera, Christine’s mother, thanked the PNP for their support in seeking justice for her daughter.

“Seek justice for Christine. Maraming salamat sa umaapaw niyong supporta para sa namatay kong anak. Christine, kung nasaan ka man ngayon anak alam ko gina-guide mo si Mama. Maraming salamat (Thank you for overwhelming support to my deceased daughter. Christine, wherever you are, I know that you are guiding me. Thank you so much) to the gentlemen of the PNP on behalf of the Dacera family at sa friends namin na sumusuporta (and to our friends who are extending their support). With regard to legalities and everything, I throw it to my lawyer and alam ko (I know), justice will prevail,” she said.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will be working closely with the police in connection with Dacera’s case.

“The forensic medicine team is providing assistance to the Makati police to determine the real cause of death of flight attendant Christine Dacera,” Guevarra told newsmen.

In a separate statement, PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana said the National Capital Region Police Office will now be in charge of providing updates on Dacera’s cases. (with reports from Christopher Lloyd Caliwan and Benjamin Pulta/PNA)