DAVAO CITY - Student organizations of the University of the Philippines (UP) called for justice in the rape slay of 23-year-old Christine Dacera, a graduate of the UP Mindanao campus.
In separate statements on Tuesday, Himati, the official student publication of UP Mindanao, and the UP Office of the Student Regent called for justice over the death of Dacera.
"Along with the whole UP Mindanao and UP System community, we extend our sincerest condolences to Christine Dacera's family and friends as we call for justice, the UP OSR said.
Dacera was a member of UP Mindanao's dance company, the Dance Ensemble. She was also a finalist in Mutya ng Davao 2019 pageant.
Dacera, fondly known as "Ica" in the campus, was a graduate of the BA Communications Arts program.
Meanwhile, Himati said it was joining Dacera's friends and family in calling for justice for Dacera as the investigation continues.
Dacera, a flight attendant, was found dead in a hotel in Makati City on New Year's day.
According to initial police investigations, Dacera attended a year-end party with friends in Makati City.
In her Facebook account, Dacera posted a picture of her wearing a blue personal protective equipment (PPE) and a face mask on board a plane at 2:41 pm on December 28. In the caption, Dacera wrote: " Last flight for this one helluva year."
Himati described the tragedy that befell Dacera as "revolting."
"This revolting tragedy reminds us of the relentless attempts to shrink the democratic spaces of women — a by-product of the macho-patriarchal system in our society," it said.
"Nowhere is safe when simply existing serves as an invitation for violence to those who wish to violate," Himati added.
"As long as this hegemonic culture persists, the people's liberties shall remain terrorized and far from true emancipation," it said.
UP Mindanao also mourned the passing of Dacera.
"Along with our entire community, we extend deepest condolences to the bereaved Dacera family. We, the UP Mindanao community, are one with her family and friends in calling for justice," it added.