By Hannah Torregoza
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday condemned the rape and brutal murder of a Grade 9 student in Cebu City saying authorities should exhaust all means to bring the perpetrators of the crime to justice.
Hontiveros said the killing of 16-year-old Cristine Silawan, who was found dead in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on March 11, is nothing but a “gruesome and inhuman act.”
(L-R) Senators Risa Hontiveros and Sherwin Gatchalian (SENATE / MANILA BULLETIN)
“I condemn the brutal rape and murder of 16-year-old Cristine Silawan. My sincerest condolences go out to Cristine's family, friends, the people of Cebu, and the community and church she served,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
“The horrible treatment of her and the terrible state of her body are an affront to all women,” she further said.
“This is a gruesome and inhuman act. I exhort the authorities to swiftly act on this case, find those responsible for this horrific crime and bring them to justice,” the senator reiterated.
Reports show that Silawan, who was found dead on Monday morning, went to church on Sunday but was not able to come home.
Authorities found her body dumped on a vacant lot with her throat slit, and with several stab wounds on her body.
Police said that Silawan was raped before her face was skinned to the bones, exposing her skull.
The police are now hunting down three alleged suspects in the brutal crime.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, in a post on Twitter, also condemned the brutal murder of Silawan.
“What kind of animals are these? Hindi na tao gumagawa nito (Those who did this are no longer humans),” Gatchalian said.