Camarines Sur map
MANILA, Philippines — An 18-year-old senior high school student from the Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) was found dead in Camarines Sur days after she was reported missing on Friday, October 28.
In a memorandum dated November 1, ADNU President Fr. Roberto Rivera confirmed what he called “soul-crushing news” about the discovery of Irish Mae Payonga’s body on Monday night in the village of Cadlan in Pili, Camarines Sur.
“We express our solidarity with her bereaved family and friends during this time of unspeakable grief,” he said.
Rivera also cited a conversation with Payonga’s mother after the news broke out.
“When I asked her what we in the Ateneo can do to help, she simply stated in her text message that ‘…we need prayer and justice for my daughter. And so we pray, most fervently, for the eternal repose of Irish Mae and the consolation of her loved ones,” he noted.
“Let us be inspired by the memory of Irish Mae to work tirelessly for all victims of violence and injustice, to ever proclaim ’til the end of our days, ‘Never again!'” he added.
Payonga was last seen on a bus to Pili, Camarines Sur last Friday, wearing maong pants, a denim jacket, a black shirt, and white rubber shoes, according to the ADNU.
The Pili police have yet to respond to questions from INQUIRER.net, seeking details about Payonga’s death.
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