MANILA (UCAN): “This heinous crime (was) an attack not only on one woman but on all women who deserve respect and protection,” Father Rosalindo Rodriguez of the Diocese of Tagum, Davao province, the Philippines, said condemning the murder and possible gang rape of a flight ,attendant who was found dead in a hotel room in the country’s capital, Manila, on New Year’s Day.
The murder of 23-year-old Christine Dacera, who worked for Philippine Airlines, sparked a national outcry when it was reported that up to 11 men could have been involved in her death.
The flight attendant was spotted at a New Year’s Eve party with 11 men at the City Garden Hotel in Makati City shortly before her body was found in a hotel bathtub.
Police believe she may have been raped by one or more of the group before being murdered.
Speaking during a radio interview, Father Rodriguez called the killing a diabolical and “highly unchristian” act.
He warned police not to allow Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic restrictions to get in the way of bringing justice to Dacera’s family.
“I know Covid-19 has somehow paralysed us, but certainly it has not paralysed our desire for justice to bring peace to our society,” he said.
Father Rodriguez’ comment came after police announced the arrest of three of the 11 suspects.
He also challenged the government to help Dacera’s family attain the justice they deserved if it emerged drugs were involved.
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If that were the case, the priest said, if the government was sincere in fighting illegal drugs, Dacera’s case should be a priority.
“Over the past few years we have been made to believe that illegal drugs was the enemy. Now that we could be faced with an actual situation … let our authorities continue the battle with illegal drugs through a swift investigation of this case,” he said.
