Woman strangled in apartment

MANILA, Philippines - A 49-year-old woman was found hogtied and strangled in her apartment in Sta. Mesa, Manila Friday night.

Teresita Gonzalez’s body was discovered after her partner’s cousin, Luzviminda Vallenas, sought barangay officials’ help, Police Officer 3 Marlon San Pedro said.

Vallenas told police she went to visit Gonzalez because she had not seen the victim go to work since Dec. 25. She added that the last time she saw Gonzalez alive was on Christmas Eve.

Gonzalez’s partner and Vallenas’ cousin, Marcelino Paller, had gone home to Eastern Samar for the holidays. The victim was alone in her apartment.

Investigators said it was possible that Gonzalez was robbed because the house was in disarray.