Wednesday, January 09, 2008 Autopsy shows no foul play in death of girl
INVESTIGATORS tasked to probe the death of a 14-year-old girl in Tabogon, Cebu learned that she had lacerations in her hymen.
They are also trying to verify if a lump in her uterus meant that Raqueliza Santiago was pregnant.
Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch (PIDMB) Chief Teofilo Siclot yesterday told reporters the autopsy performed by Dr. Nestor Sator concluded there was no foul play involved in her death.
Before the school Christmas break, teachers noticed that she was not very responsive in class.
Also, weeks before her death, she told a friend that she would end her life if her mother Emelita Sinoy did not visit her by Christmas.
The friend told her not to speak of such things but decided not to take her statement seriously.
However, she did not say what her problem was.
Raqueliza was found dead with a blanket tied around her neck in a hut on New Year’s Day.
Siclot said that they sent Raqueliza’s uterus to the Crime Laboratory in Camp Crame to find out if the clump was actually a fetus.
Because her body had already been embalmed, Siclot said it was difficult for Sator to determine this.
Raqueliza had been staying with the family of Florendo and Amancia Quinain. Amancia is the barangay captain of Caduwawan, Tabogon.
Raqueliza’s father, Eduardo Santiago, is reportedly working in Nueva Ecija.
Raqueliza’s brother, Elmer, believes his mother Emelita is now married to someone else and lives in Talisay City with her new family.
Elmer hopes his father will learn about what happened to Raqueliza and pick up their youngest brother Eric.
He asked the police to inform the media about their plight so that the message will reach his parents.
Siclot said they now want to find out if Raqueliza had a boyfriend in the town.
This was after there were rumors circulating in town that she was involved with a man.
They will also be talking to other men close to her: classmates and household companions. (MEA)
