THE University of the Philippines-Mindanao (UPMin), the alma mater of alleged rape victim Christine “Ica” Dacera, who was found dead in a Makati hotel room on New Year’s day, is calling for justice for its alumna.
UP-Min said in a statement on Tuesday evening, January 5, 2021, that it is mourning the tragic loss of its alumna, who was a cum laude graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts program in 2017.
Dacera was also an active member of UPMin's Dance Ensemble, the resident dance company.
"Along with our entire community, we extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved Dacera family. We, the UP Mindanao community, are one with her family and friends in calling for justice," UPMin said in a statement.
The university also urged authorities to investigate and serve the justice she deserves.
"It is high time to dismantle the macho-feudal system that perpetuates sexual violence," UPMin said.
Meanwhile, Himati, UPMin's official student publication, said in a separate statement that it is also one in calling for justice while the investigation is still ongoing.
"This revolting tragedy reminds us of the relentless attempts to shrink the democratic spaces of women — a by-product of the macho-feudal system in our society. Nowhere is safe when simply existing serves as an invitation for violence to those who wish to violate," Himati said.
It added, "As long as this hegemonic culture persists, the people's liberties shall remain terrorized and far from true emancipation."
Fellow iskos and iskas, a popular contraction of "Iskolar ng Bayan" (Scholar of the Nation) referring to the UP students, also shared their condolences and called for justice for the death of Dacera.
The UPMin graduate was a Philippine Airlines (PAL) Express flight attendant before she died.
In a statement, PAL Express mourned the death of its employee, whom it described as "an upstanding and professional PAL Express crew member who will be sorely missed by her colleagues and friends."
The company said it will be extending full support to the flight attendant's family.
"Our desire is for the truth to come out in the interest of justice," PAL said.
As of Tuesday evening, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said three men have been arrested and charged over the rape-slay of flight attendant Christine Angelica Dacera in a hotel in Makati City.
PNP Chief General Debold Sinas said that nine others were considered at-large, and has urged them to surrender in 72 hours or be hunted down. (With reports from SunStar Philippines)