LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA—Ray Bernard Peñaranda’s last conversation with his family was in a phone conference the night before he was killed.
“His sister was telling him that they should graduate together in 2013. I do not know if it was a premonition or something, but Ray said he might not be able to do so,” said Ray’s father, German, 56.
At that time, German thought that Ray was again teasing his sister, Anna, 23, who was taking a master’s degree at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. But the next call the family received on Sunday was from Ray’s friend, telling them about his death.
German, an agricultural engineer and like his wife, Flordeliza, 53, a professor at University of Rizal System in Tanay, Rizal, said Ray did good in his academics and was a candidate for cum laude in agriculture at UP Los Baños (UPLB).
In fact, Ray was supposed to be awarded his certificate as a college scholar (dean’s lister) on Tuesday during the 103rd founding anniversary of the UPLB College of Agriculture. The dean instead delivered Ray’s certificate to his family in Tanay at the wake on Monday night.
“He had many options after college. He planned to pursue higher education abroad or work in a company or a government agency. He also planned to take over our small farm in Quezon,” German said.
Ray was the second UPLB student killed near the UPLB campus. He was stabbed dead by unidentified robbers.
A few days before, high school student Rochel Geronda, 14, was raped and killed in the same vicinity. In October last year, UPLB computer science student Given Grace Cebanico was raped and killed.
“Ray was a very sweet son. He would often give his mother a massage and a manicure and would sometimes sleep with us in our room,” German said. “He was also very close to Anna because she was his idol.”
Outposts, CCTVs
On Monday night, student organizations led an indignation rally. Ray’s classmates shared testimonies about their lost friend.
“We condemn these tragic and senseless deaths. We will not stop until justice is served no matter how long it may take,” said chancellor Dr. Rex Cruz at the rally attended by around 200 students.
Another rally was set on Tuesday afternoon with Bayan Muna Representative Teddy Casiño, a UPLB alumnus, as guest.
During Monday’s meeting of the multisectoral Peace and Order Council, the municipal government of Los Baños approved proposals to install 100 more lampposts, police and village outposts at every entry and exit point in all villages, and security cameras in strategic locations.
There were also plans to impose a liquor ban from 12 midnight to 8 a.m. and for private dormitory owners to provide their own security guards and CCTV cameras.
Dr. Enrique Tolentino Jr., vice chancellor for community affairs, said the recent events might also justify the university’s need for a higher budget to put up more dormitories inside the campus.
Ray of hope
“UPLB is a very beautiful place, but I think it’s the local officials’ responsibility to keep it safe. We really hope to find justice so we can move on,” German said.
On Friday, police arrested Carl “Dactil” de Guzman, 27, in Daraga, Albay, and on Thursday, Tyrone Kennedy Terbio, 19, surrendered to broadcaster Raffy Tulfo and Philippine National Police Director General Nicanor Bartolome. Terbio, the one who allegedly stabbed Peñaranda in the chest, was held at the detention cell of the Laguna police office in Sta. Cruz town, said Laguna police director Senior Superintendent Gilbert Cruz on Friday. De Guzman allegedly drove the suspects’ motorcycle.
Terbio and De Guzman were named by confessed lookout Joseph Beltran, who earlier surrendered to the police. All three suspects now faced robbery with homicide charges at a court in Calamba City, said Cruz.
Geronda’s remains were buried at a public cemetery in Barangay (village) Anos in Los Baños on Wednesday, while Ray’s burial took place Sunday at Haven of Rest Memorial Park in Tanay.
“Maybe Ray had died for a reason. His death will not be put to waste if only this will protect and give hope to other students that none of these will happen again,” German said.