The family of a former Bacolod call center agent who was found dead in Brgy. Matab-ang, Talisay City, Sunday morning, Jan. 12, is calling for justice.
Carl Kimberlyn Degabi, 31, a former call center agent and resident of Eroreco Subdivision in Brgy. Mandalagan, Bacolod City, was found lifeless without lower garments, in a grassy area by the roadside.
Talisay City Deputy Police Chief Maj. Russel Jim Jocson said on Monday that they are looking into possible rape that will be determined during an autopsy.
Among the possible motives for the killing that they are investigating are the victim’s involvement in alleged scamming incidents and her having filed a case against a certain individual, Jocson said.
The victim’s sister, who asked that her name be withheld, said “as a family, we are heartbroken and deeply hurt, not just by her death but also by the victim-blaming and accusations being thrown at her”.
“These claims, which lack any formal complaint, are causing unnecessary pain. All I want is for my sister to have the peace she was denied in life, a peace we are still fighting for as the investigation continues,” she said.
She also stressed that it was her sister who filed a case against someone and not the other way around.
“She is gone now, and I can’t begin to imagine the fear and terror she endured. Her death has been turned into a public spectacle, and it’s devastating to see people throwing baseless accusations and hurtful words at her. She’s no longer here to defend herself. Please, think about that”, the sister said.
She said she cannot understand how some people find joy in this tragedy, mocking her death or calling it “karma”, in apparent reference of social media comments.
“To those who do, I hope you never experience the pain of losing someone you love to a senseless crime,” she said.
“We are grieving, and we are trying to find justice for her. All we ask is for people to stop the cruelty, to stop spreading falsehoods, and to allow us to mourn in peace. Evil knows no bounds when it claims its victims. Let’s not forget that,” she said.
“May this never happen to anyone else,“ she added.
Degabi’s family has allowed an autopsy to determine her cause of death, the police said.
The victim was wearing a white sleeveless top, denim pants, and had a tattoo on her left arm depicting warrior words and a flower.*