POLICE released the person of interest (POI) linked in the killing of a 26-year-old woman in Valencia City, Bukidnon after being held under custody for investigation.
Valencia City Police chief Lieutenant Colonel Surki Sereñas over the weekend said they let go of the POI pending result of the investigation, including the test of the fingerprints and seminal fluids obtained in the crime scene.
Authorities said the POI is said to be the suitor of the victim. Police withheld the identity of the victim as requested by the victim’s family and relatives.
“We cannot hold him until evidence are established. Iyang uyab sundalo. Ang iyang suitor mao ning under investigation (Her boyfriend is a soldier. Her suitor is the one under investigation),” he said.
The victim, who works as saleslady in a mall, was found lifeless and naked inside her boarding house early Friday, August 2. Police said she was possibly raped before being stabbed to death in the neck.
Investigators also raised the possibility that the victim knows the suspect.
According to the caretaker of the house, the victim rented the room last June 23, together with her aunt.
“Nag-text daw iyang auntie nga dili makauli basin siguro gipanid-an na to siya daan nga siya ra usa,” the caretaker said.
“Ang suspek didto sa likod nga gate niagi kay duol man to sa iyang kwarto,” she added.
(The suspect went through the back gate since it is nearer to her room)
A security camera from a nearby establishment captured the suspect entered the boarding house around 1:00 a.m, including the duration of his stay and the time he left the house. Also captured was the suspect’s body features and his getaway vehicle.
Sereñas said police have an eyewitness who can positively identify the suspect.
“We need positive identification of the suspect kanang itudlo gyud sa witness. Naay witness but hesitant to stand and speak up,” he said.