2 questioned over woman's body found in Manila

Manila, Philippines -  Two cousins were invited for questioning by the investigators from the Manila Police District (MPD) homicide section in connection with the rape and murder of an unidentified woman found stuffed in a sack in Sta. Ana Saturday.

Christian Pedrezuela, 20, and Mark Anthony Pedrezuela, 18, were taken into police custody following a phone call from an informant, who claimed to know what happened to the victim, Police Officer 3 Rodel Benitez told The STAR. The two live in a house on Dagonoy street, a few meters away from the site where the victim’s body was discovered.

Police believe the victim, a homeless woman initially estimated to be between 20 and 25, was raped and killed by the suspects, who are reportedly drug addicts.

Benitez said investigators are also relying on the statement of Boni Rosales, 36, who reported discovering the body. He said a bloody panty, which appeared to be the victim’s, was found in a vacant house beside Pedrezuela residence yesterday morning.

Rosales, a car wash worker, said he saw the cousins walking back and forth, apparently in panic, in the area where he found the body a few hours later. However, Rosales was told by MPD Police Station 6 investigators that he was also a suspect.

All three men denied involvement in the woman’s rape and murder.