2 suspects in killing of UST graduate arrested

MANILA, Philippines – Two suspects tagged in the brutal killing of a 20-year-old University of Santo Tomas alumna were arrested in Cavite before dawn Friday, police said.

Citing a police report, Alvin Francisco of Bacoor Police identified the suspects Roel Gacita Jr., 24, a tricyle driver; and his brother Rollyn, 27, a vegetable vendor.

Francisco said the suspects in the killing of Cyrish Magalang, a cum laude graduate, were arrested inside Roel’s home along Nazareth compound, Molino 3 in Bacoor, Cavite between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. by a joint operation by the local police and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

Recovered were the shoulder bag of victim, as well as a screw driver, and the tricycle which was allegedly used in the crime.

A witness last saw Magalang, who was on her way home from work at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, boarding Roel’s tricycle at around 11 p.m. on October 30.

Senior Superintendent John Bulalacao, Cavite police director, said both suspects, in their statement to the police, admitted to the crime.

Based on the suspects’ account, he said Rollyn, who was riding behind Roel on the motorcycle, transferred into the sidecar and held a screw driver to the victim. The suspects then took Magalang to a farm in Barangay Molino 7.

Bulalacao said a farmer found the victim’s body the next morning inside a hut in the farm.

Magalang sustained 49 stab wounds in different parts of her body and her face was crushed with a hollow block. Her hands were tied with plastic straw and her underwear was pulled down, although an autopsy report has yet to confirm if she was raped.

Bulalacao said the suspects were charged with robbery with homicide.

The local government offered a P50,000 reward for any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspects.