MANILA, Philippines - More than a year after a 20-year-old student was gunned down in Dasmariñas, Cavite, a local court has issued an arrest warrant and ordered the National Bureau of Investigation and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to hunt down two cousins who allegedly killed him.
Imus, Cavite regional trial court Judge Cesar Mangrobang issued an arrest warrant dated Oct. 8 against Ryan Rafael and Jenny Caringal.
The issuance of the warrant has given hope to victim Murphy Samonte’s mother, Rhodel, who said that on Sept. 4, 2008, the suspects went to their house in Sadara subdivision in Dasmariñas, Cavite.
Rhodel said she saw her son and Rafael arguing, then Caringal allegedly handed Rafael a .22 caliber revolver. Rafael allegedly shot Murphy between the eyes, and the victim was declared dead on arrival at the De La Salle Hospital in Cavite.
Rhodel said she started receiving death threats after she filed a case against Rafael and Caringal. She said she was told that she would be the “next to fall” if she would not withdraw the homicide complaint against the suspects.
She said she sought protection from Dasmariñas Mayor Jenny Barzaga but was referred to the police, “who did nothing about my complaint.” She alleged that Rafael and Caringal have been frequently seen in the subdivision but have never been arrested. She said the suspects are “influential and untouchables” in Cavite.
Rhodel and her 16-year-old son have left Dasmariñas, Cavite and frequently change addresses. She vowed to continue to seek justice for her slain son “even if it will cost my life.”