Burial in Sorsogon for massacre victims

CEBU, Philippines - The 14-year-old sole survivor of the recent massacre in Talisay City has decided to have her family’s remains buried in Sorsogon, where her mother comes from.

The cadaver of Anastacia Deniega, their helper, will be buried in Talisay City after her relatives decided not to take her remains to San Carlos City, Negros Oriental.

If all goes well, the bodies will be transported by plane on Friday.

All cadavers are at the St. Matthew chapel of the St. Peter Funeral Homes along Imus Road, Barangay Lorega, Cebu City.

Other relatives of Emmanuel Ponce, 55, might not like the decision but have to agree with the girl’s decision.

Mikael Bellones, nephew of Emmanuel, said they do not want their uncle to be buried in Sorsogon but if it is the decision of the child they have no choice.

“As a relative prerogative namo diri na lang but unsa man gani ang decision sa bata okay ra kay it’s her right,” he said.

Last Sunday, Emmanuel used his .45 cal. pistol in shooting his wife Melinda, 53; his daughters Elaine Grace, 26, and Heather Joy, 25 and son Emlin, 18 inside their house in Palm View Village, Barangay Tabunok. He also shot Deniega, 30, but spared the youngest of the family.

All victims were shot in the head except for Deniega who was shot in the left side of her chest.

Bellones said the girl is trying to be strong and even asked to stay in her house if someone will accompany her.

Bellones said that the relatives on both sides of the family are not bickering and all are working on how to assist the needs of the child.

“Pero kung duna man gani sila’y grudge hinuon dili na malikayan kay normal man na,” he said.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale visited the wake yesterday.

Garcia talked to the girl and handed over some envelopes to the child. She also gave her a rosary that had been blessed by the Pope and told her to use it when she prays.

Garcia also gave the girl her personal contact number so she can call her anytime she needs her. – (FREEMAN)