DepEd condemns ‘barbaric murder’ of Grade 9 Cebu student

Curious onlookers surround the body of Christine Lee Silawan, who was found with half of her face skinned in an empty lot in Barangay Bangkal, Lapu-Lapu City. Contributed photo | Jayboy D. Donaire via Cebu Daily News

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) strongly condemned the “barbaric murder” of a Grade 9 student, who was believed to have been raped before her face was skinned and her body dumped in a vacant lot in Barangay Bangkal, Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu province.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Education department called on the authorities for a swift resolution of the case.

The DepEd also extended its condolences to the family of the victim identified as 17-year-old Christine Silawan.

“As the Department calls on the local government unit and the police to swiftly bring to justice the cold-blooded criminals, it likewise enjoins the public in the shared responsibility of protecting children from all forms of abuse, violence, exploitation, and threat,” DepEd said.

“The Department extends its deepest condolences to the grieving family and requests the DepEd community for voluntary contribution to provide the bereaved with adequate financial assistance,” it added.

The Lapu-Lapu City police director has ordered a manhunt against three men who were the last persons seen with Silawan before she was found dead by passersby on Monday morning. /cbb

READ: Hunt on for 3 men behind skinning, slay of Cebu student