Lax security in Caloocan village blamed for gruesome slay of mother, daughter

MANILA, Philippines—Some residents of village 173 in Camarin, Caloocan City – the scene of the brutal killing of a mother and daughter over the weekend – blamed the village officials Monday for the alleged lax security in their area.

A resident, identifying herself as Amalia Taopo, claimed that even before the slaying of Faith, 50,  and Tessa Ferlyn Jaena, 15,their place have been plagued with a rash of robberies and hold-ups.

Taopo said recently robbers cannibalized their jeepney and made off with the vehicle’s acid battery.

“We reported the incident to the Barangay (village officials) and urged them to patrol our community, but they did not lift a finger,” she said.

Faith and Tessa Ferlyn were found dead in their house at Block 35 Lot 4 Palmera Spring, Barangay 173 Camarin, Caloocan City, around 8 a.m. Saturday with Faith sustaining 50 stab wounds and Tessa Ferlyn with 30.

Police said that a laptop, two cell phones, assorted jewels and an undetermined amount of cash were stolen by the two killers.

The men entered the victims’ house unhampered, police said.

“We can stand losing valuables to robbers, but not your loved ones. I hope the killers would be arrested soon,” Taopo said.

Meanwhile, Fely Leonardo, another resident, said she is now wary of the safety of her family and neighbors.

“We’re so frightened. We had sleepless nights because of these tragic incidents,” she said.

The Caloocan City police have earlier released a computerized facial composite of the two perpetrators behind the killing of Faith and Ferlyn. Police were initially looking into plain robbery as a motive, but said later that other angles, such as personal grudge, are now being pursued. Jamie Marie Elona