4 nabbed in rape- slay of sales clerk

DAGUPAN CITY — The Dagupan City Police arrested four suspects in the rape and murder of a 21-year-old sales clerk here Tuesday night.

Supt. Jandale Sulit, chief of police of the Dagupan City Police Station, identified the suspects as Rhadu Eugenio, Jonathan de Vera, Alfredo Ubando and Flor Moulic Jr.

“The suspects were apprehended after a follow-up operation, wherein the witness positively identified them because he feels compelled to do so,” Sulit said.

The witness, according to his statement, was headed home Monday evening after attending a birthday celebration when he heard a woman’s voice whimpering for help.

He went to investigate where the voice was coming from but was blocked by Rhadu Eugenio, telling him to turn back as he was just hearing “things”. As he turned his head behind, however, he saw Moulic standing a few meters, together with Ubando and De Vera in the pond below the tight alley.

The victim’s body was eventually found the next morning on the pond, lifeless, with no lower garments and her blouse tucked up.

Sulit surmised that the victim was strangled to death.

Dr. Benjamin Bautista of the City Health Office said there were signs the victim was raped prior to her death.

Meanwhile, the suspects vehemently denied the accusations against them.

“We can safely say that this case was solved in less than 24 hours,” Sulit said.

He also assured Dagupeños that Dagupan City is still safe from criminals and other law offenders. -- PNA