CEBU CITY – The killer of the 14-year-old girl who was fatally shot while learning her modules inside their house in Talisay City, Cebu has been identified.
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Police withheld the identity of the assailant pending follow-up operations to arrest him.
MAP of Cebu with Talisay City highlighted.
“There is no timeline but the instruction of the regional director is to ensure the arrest of the perpetrator, establish a strong case that will lead to the conviction of the suspect,” said Police Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of Police Regional Office-Central Visayas chief Police Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin.
The crime happened on Friday morning in Barangay Cansojong.
The victim, Jaquiline Reponte, was learning her modules when the assailant barged in and shot her in the head.
She was taken to the Cebu City Medical Center where he was declared dead.
Pelare said that initial investigation showed that the gunman was involved in illegal drug activities. It was also learned that the victim was close to the perpetrator.
He added that the chief of the Talisay police assured that there is a team focusing on the conduct of hot-pursuit operations.
The Talisay police have coordinated with other police offices should the perpetrator be able to escape outside the province of Cebu.
Pelare said a case may be filed against the perpetrator next week. “Our regional director is closely monitoring the progress of the investigation,” said Pelare.
The Department of Education (DepEd) condemned the crime.
“The Department of Education strongly condemns the tragic and senseless killing of a 14-year-old student in Talisay City, Cebu, as she was reportedly answering her learning modules at home. DepEd extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and classmates of the victim during this time of grief,” the agency said.
DepEd called on authorities to solve the crime and arrest the perpetrator.
“No learner should ever fear for their safety while pursuing education, whether at home, or in school. DepEd calls on the authorities to swiftly and thoroughly investigate this heinous crime and bring the perpetrator to justice,” it added.