JUSTICE FOR LEIZEL: Teacher's slay suspect faces robbery, homicide

By Paulo DS Papa

Police have filed separate charges of robbery and homicide against the suspect in the killing of Leizel Permale, 28, a grade school teacher at Ateneo de Naga University, as investigators continue to determine whether additional charges may be filed.

Permale was found dead inside her residence at Deca Homes Vistanza in Barangay Pacol at around 6:30 p.m. on July 18 after her partner, identified only as Alfonso, discovered her lifeless body.

Initial investigation by the Naga City Police Office showed that the victim's lower garments had been disturbed, while several personal belongings were missing from the house, prompting investigators to pursue robbery as a primary motive.

Police said closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage led to the identification of the suspect, known only by the alias "Jason," 30, who was arrested the following day in Barangay San Cirilo, Pasacao, Camarines Sur during a hot pursuit operation.

Recovered from the suspect were a laptop computer, a mobile phone, and an ATM card, all of which were positively identified by the victim's partner as belonging to Permale.

PLTCOL Elmer Azurez Jr., chief of the City Community Affairs and Development Unit, said the complaint for robbery and homicide was formally filed before the Naga City Prosecutor's Office on Monday evening.

Earlier, Acting City Director PCOL Rizaldy Caballero said investigators had completed nearly all documentary and evidentiary requirements needed to support the filing of the criminal complaints.

Authorities, however, have yet to file a rape charge, saying medical and forensic examinations have not yet established sufficient evidence to support such a complaint. Police said the investigation remains ongoing.

The suspect refused to give any statement or be interviewed following his arrest.

Barangay Pacol Punong Barangay Ruben Limbo said the suspect was not a resident of the village but had been working at a motorcycle repair shop located a few blocks from the victim's residence.

While acknowledging that the incident had affected the image of the community, Limbo assured residents that the barangay remains safe through sustained police visibility and barangay law enforcement patrols.