Two farmworkers have admitted involvement in the killing of a 33-year-old woman whose body was found inside a sack at an hacienda in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, police said Wednesday, Oct. 14.
Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region director, Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales, said investigators consider the case solved following the identification and reported admission of the two suspects, aged 34 and 44.
The victim, identified by police only as alias “Genalyn,” was found inside a sack at Hacienda Sta. Catalina in Brgy. Dos Hermanas at around 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13.
She was a resident of Brgy. Niluthangan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, and was temporarily staying at a game farm in Talisay, where she worked as a laundry worker.
Reales said during a media conference Wednesday that investigators were initially told about the discovery of the body by persons who later became subjects of the investigation.
Police became suspicious during questioning and subjected them to further interviews.
According to Reales, the suspects told investigators that they initially approached the victim to borrow money.
One of the suspects allegedly struck the woman with a piece of wood during the incident.
Police said the hardwood believed to have been used in the crime was recovered and will undergo forensic examination.
Investigators are also looking into information disclosed by one of the suspects that the victim was sexually assaulted.
Reales stressed that the allegation is still being verified through the continuing investigation and forensic examinations, including an autopsy.
Police said the victim was allegedly tied before her body was placed inside a sack and dumped in the area where it was later discovered.
No property was initially reported stolen from the victim, Reales said.
The suspects, who worked at the same farm where the victim was employed, also reportedly admitted to illegal drug use, although police are continuing to verify the circumstances surrounding the crime.
Scene of the Crime Operatives processed two locations, the area where the body was recovered and a game farm where police believe the killing occurred.
The victim’s partner told police that he last saw her on Oct. 8 when she left for work in Talisay.
Reales said investigators are preparing murder charges against the two suspects, with other possible charges to depend on the results of the autopsy, forensic examination and further investigation.
The suspects are expected to undergo legal proceedings with assistance from their respective counsel.
Reales also reminded employers to conduct background checks when hiring workers and, when necessary, seek assistance from government agencies or the police in verifying applicants’ backgrounds.
Police said the investigation is continuing to establish the individual participation of each suspect and the complete circumstances surrounding the killing.*
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