THE disappearance of the house help who was allegedly raped by the relieved station commander of Toril Police Station, Major Michael S. Uyanguren could be a dubious story since the victim’s family did not immediately report and file a formal complaint on the whereabouts of their daughter, according to the Davao City Police Office (DCPO).
“Walay klaro nga balita. Hinala namo ga-buhat-buhat rag istorya na sila” (The information is not clear. Our guess is that they are fabricating a story) DCPO chief Col. Alberto Lupaz told the media in an interview.
Based also on a statement by the DCPO spokesperson, Police Captain Hazel Tuazon during the AFP-PNP Press Corps press conference earlier this month, the case of Justine May Saldua is still under investigation and they are now focusing on the timeline of events prior to her disappearance on August 28, as presented in the police blotter filed by Uyanguren’s wife.
“August 28 sa kadlawon gusto sya mouli, actually gipugngan siya na mulakaw pero mupugos man gyud sya na mouli kay birthday lage sa iyahang anak nga namatay (August 28 of dawn, she requested to go home because it was the birthday of her late child. She was advised not to go, but she insisted) Tuazon said.
The official also added that the house help was accompanied by Uyanguren’s daughter outside their residence in Lubogan, Toril, and hailed a taxi cab on that day.
The investigation revealed that the 21-year-old Saldua has three children, including the one who died. Her children were left in her hometown in Barangay Upper Ulip, Monkayo, Davao de Oro. She was hired by Uyanguren’s wife to take care of their child, contrary to the information that Uyanguren himself employed Saldua.
To recall, the case was first aired on Senator Raffy Tulfo’s program last September 28, exactly a month after Saldua was reported missing. During the program, Saldua’s aunt shared private messages between her and Saldua.
“Nag work man ko Toril. Wala ko kabalo nga ing-ani diay. Natatakot ako sa amo na pulis, wag kang maingay dahil delikado maraming madadamay. Kelangan kong may masumbungan dahil sumikip na yung dibdib ko. Wag kang magsumbong kay nanay at tatay ikaw lang ang sinabihan ko para sa safety ko (I am working in Toril. But I have no idea it will be like this. I’m afraid of my police employer. Don’t tell anybody because it’s dangerous, many will be affected. I need to vent this out because it’s already heavy to take. Please don’t tell mother and father. I only shared this with you for my safety) the message read.
Tulfo then challenged Uyanguren and her daughter to undergo a lie detector test for further investigation. In response, Uyanguren said that he is willing to submit himself for the challenge and is also open to a Senate hearing.
Currently, there are two versions of police blotters being filed. One is in Toril and the other one is in Monkayo which is outside the jurisdiction of Davao City; however, DCPO ensures an impartial, fair, and balanced investigation.