Cops activate Task Force ‘Muceros’ to solve rape-slay case in Naga

By Paulo DS Papa

The Naga City Police Office has activated a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to focus on the rape-slay of 18-year-old Rosalie Muceros of Zone 4, Barangay Panicuason.

On Thursday afternoon, November 27, Muceros’ lifeless body was found in a grassy lot in Zone 6 of the same barangay. She was discovered with her torso exposed and her pants pulled down.

Police Capt. Gil III Guban, officer-in-charge of Naga City Police Station 4, said in an interview that the SITG was formed on Monday, December 1, to concentrate fully on the case. Five persons of interest—all from the same village—have been identified. They include four males and one female, who is reportedly the victim’s best friend.

Guban confirmed that Muceros sustained a skull fracture and bore marks of strangulation on her neck. He added that lacerations were found on her body, supporting initial findings that she had been raped.

He said it is possible that the crime did not occur in the area where the body was discovered at around 2:00 p.m., noting the absence of signs of struggle at the scene.

Guban also revealed that the victim’s close friend, whose identity is withheld, has given inconsistent statements about the events leading up to the crime, particularly about the timeline before she and Muceros parted ways. “She is not consistent about the time she mentions. It seems she is creating narratives related to the case, which casts doubt during the investigation,” he said.

All five persons of interest remain cooperative and are currently residing in the barangay.

Guban urged residents, especially those with knowledge about the circumstances that led to the crime, to come forward and help authorities solve the case and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Meanwhile, Marites, the victim’s mother, appealed to police authorities and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo for swift justice for her daughter.

Muceros was a Grade 11 student of Carolina National High School, which condemned the incident. Principal Joevannie Conde said her classmates were deeply affected and received psychological first aid on Monday, December 1.

He also expressed sadness over criticisms directed at school staff on social media, accusing them of negligence. He clarified that the school had long implemented measures for student safety, including a ban on after-school activities.