BACOLOD CITY – The family of a 32-year-old call center agent who was killed and accused of being a scammer in Negros Occidental is calling for justice and denied the accusation that surfaced following her death.
In a statement, the family of Carl Kimberlyn Degabi expressed deep sorrow over her loss and the victim-blaming she faced.
The family member stated that the allegations of Degabi that she is scammer on social media are baseless and lack any formal complaints and these only added to their grief.
“All we want is for her to have the peace she was denied in life, a peace we are still fighting for as the investigation continues,” the family said.
They condemned the way her death became a public spectacle, with accusations and hurtful comments directed at her.
“She is gone now, and we can’t begin to imagine the fear and terror she endured. She’s no longer here to defend herself,” the family said.
The family expressed disbelief at those mocking the tragedy or referring to her death as karma.
“To those who do, I hope you never experience the pain of losing someone you love to a senseless crime,” they said. “We are grieving, and we are trying to find justice for her.”
Degabi was discovered half-naked with injuries to her mouth in Barangay Matab-ang, Talisay City, Negros Occidental a day after she left their home in Barangay Mandalagan here on Saturday night, Jan. 11.
Authorities are awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death as well as the outcome of a swab test to check for possible sexual assault.
The family is asking for people to stop the cruelty, spreading falsehoods, and allow them to mourn in peace.
Police Capt. Judesses Catalogo, spokesperson of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, said they are collaborating with the Bacolod City Police Office to locate individuals or places connected to the victim before the incident.