THE family of Staff Sergeant Mark Herbert Oberes of Philippine Air Force (PAF) demands justice over his murder.
The 37-year-old officer's death "devastated" his loved ones, read the family's statement posted on Facebook by Bert Padilla.
Oberes, a resident of Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, had served the PAF for more than 16 years.
"Our close-knit family has lost a great man. We keep reliving what happened to him and we’re deeply saddened and hurt," the statement further read. "Speculations are not needed at this time."
Oberes was reportedly mauled, stabbed and shot around 9 p.m. Wednesday, January 31, in a subdivision in Barangay San Isidro, Talisay City, Cebu.
The culprits then brought his body to Sitio Tal-ot in Barangay Valencia, Carcar City, Cebu.
Oberes's body was left in the backseat when the car was set on fire.
The Carcar City Police Station received a call about a burning car in Tal-ot past 10 p.m. of the same night.
After the firefighters put out the blaze, the charred remains were discovered.
Police arrested two of six culprits.
"Nothing can bring Mark’s life back, but the people responsible need to be caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," the statement read.
It further stated: "At this time our family is trying to pick up the pieces and honour Mark’s memory, and we’re hoping that is everyone's main focus right now. Healing is what the family needs and we appreciate everyone's understanding in that."
Oberes's son posted an emotional message on his Facebook.
The boy wrote that he had talked with his father about their visit on Saturday, February 3, to the Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base for a project.
A portion of his message read: "Imo ko gihimo ug usa ka optimistic, resilient ug strong na pagkatawo, labi na sa nahitabo run...lami kaayo akong pagtulog pero pagkamata nako.... wala naka?"
The boy talked about the positive traits of Oberes, who comforted him when he had troubles with his studies and when he failed to join the volleyball team.
He regretted that he did not tell Oberes "I love you" when his father was still alive.
"Kahibaw ko na kung unsay nahitabo kay plano tu ni God pa ug naay rason tanan nahitabo," the boy's message read. "Makit-an ra nato ang JUSTICE pa...pramisss." (KAL/SunStar Cebu)