THE ROSALIE MUCEROS RAPE-SLAY CASE: Victim's mom seeks help witness urged to talk

By Paulo DS Papa

MORE than two weeks after the discovery of the lifeless, half-naked body of Rosalie Muceros in Zone 6, Barangay Panicuason, here, Mayor Leni Robredo has offered a cash reward to anyone who can provide credible information on the still-unidentified suspect in the rape-slay case.

In a press briefing Monday morning, Robredo was asked about her participation in a case conference held at Naga City Police Station 4 last Saturday afternoon, December 13. She confirmed her involvement and said police investigators have already identified a suspect, but added that evidence remains insufficient to file a case.

To help complete the timeline of events leading to Muceros’ death, Robredo offered a ₱100,000 reward for information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect or suspects.

“Once the gaps are filled, there will be a higher likelihood of conviction,” Robredo said, declining to confirm whether the suspect is among the five persons of interest earlier identified. She stressed the need to avoid filing a weak case that could delay justice, citing previous instances where prosecutions faltered due to lack of evidence.

Police Captain Gil III Guban, officer-in-charge of the station, said investigators are validating reports, some of which are based on rumors. He urged residents, particularly those in the area, to provide factual details supported by proof regarding events before the victim’s death.

Unverified information, he said, has led to failed attempts to resolve cases and has delayed justice for victims’ families.

Meanwhile, Marites, the victim’s mother, thanked police authorities and Robredo for their efforts to uncover the truth behind her daughter’s killing. Despite the reward, she appealed directly to neighbors and anyone with knowledge of the crime to come forward.

She believes some residents are afraid to cooperate with investigators. “I am asking for truthful statements before another incident happens in our village,” she said.

Earlier, both Guban and Barangay Councilor Edwin Mingo acknowledged fear among residents as the primary reason for non-cooperation. Mingo assured the public that barangay officials would act on any information related to the case.

Guban likewise assured the safety and protection of anyone who provides information that could help establish the sequence of events prior to the victim’s death.