PNP ready to re-arrest Cebu teen slay suspect

Philippine National Police spokesperson Colonel Bernard Banac. INQUIRER.net file photo / Cathrine Gonzales

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is ready to arrest again the primary suspect in the murder of 16-year-old Christine Lee Silawan upon the order of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The primary suspect, a 17-year-old boy, was previously released from the custody of the social development office of Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu province after his lawyer contested that the suspect’s warrantless arrest was invalid.

“The PNP is on standby and ready to effect the arrest as soon as the Court grants the motion filed by the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) or if the Court issues a Warrant of Arrest,” PNP spokesperson Col. Bernard Banac told INQUIRER.net in a text message.

The body of Silawan was found on a vacant lot on March 11. Her face was skinned, exposing her skull. Police said some of her internal organs were also removed from her body.

Two other suspects, whom the 17-year-boy tagged as his accomplices, are still being hunted by authorities. /cbb