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DAVAO CITY— The association of architects in this city has expressed anguish over the rape-slay of one of its members, whose body was found at a banana plantation in Calinan district on Wednesday, as police vowed a swift resolution of the case.
The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Davao chapter, in a statement posted on its Facebook page, said its members “stand united in condemning the heinous act that (victimized) Ar. Vlanche Marie Bragas.”
“The news of her rape and subsequent abandonment in a desolate grassland has utterly shocked and anguished us. This unspeakable act goes against the very fabric of humanity and the principles we hold dear as architects, professionals, and fellow human beings,” UAP-Davao said.
Bragas, 28, of Purok 18, Megaville, Calinan, was last seen on Tuesday night boarding a yellow tricycle locally known as “ombak” at Crossing Fausta, Calinan district.
She was reported missing at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, before her body was found eight hours later under dried banana fronds in a ditch at a plantation at Purok 6, Dacudao village.
“We cannot fathom the pain and anguish you and your family are enduring. As a chapter, we also sympathize with the UAP Alpha chapter for losing a valuable member. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, as we hope you find solace and strength in the memories of Ar. Vlanche Marie Bragas,” UAP Davao said.
Colonel Alberto Lupaz, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) chief, in a visit to the victim’s family late Wednesday, condemned the rape-killing and assured them “best effort will be exerted in the investigation of the case for the prompt identification and arrest of the suspect/s.”
Calinan police station personnel are doing a thorough investigation of the case, said Major Catherine dela Rey, DCPO spokesperson.
Results of the autopsy by the police regional forensic unit 11 show the victim likely died of asphyxiation by manual strangulation, dela Rey said.
“Likewise, the medico-legal evaluation showed clear evidence of recent penetrating genital trauma, elevating the incident to rape with homicide,” the city police spokesperson said.
The local architects association also pledged “support, assistance, and solidarity.”
“We are committed to working alongside you to ensure justice is served and those responsible for this appalling crime are held accountable,” UAP-Davao said.
On Thursday, the association of architecture students of Ateneo de Davao University, of which Bragas was an alumna, offered a “(Holy) Mass for peace and justice.”
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