Slain student's mother gets death threats

A mother whose eldest son was shot dead in Dasmariñas, Cavite last Sept. 4 now fears for her life after receiving death threats.

Rhodel Samonte, 39, a single parent, said the threats have prompted her and her other son, aged 15, to leave their home in Dasmariñas town and transfer from one place to another.

Samonte recalled that she got the latest threat during the wake last Sept. 6 of her 20-year-old son Murphy, a graduating computer technician student, from a male cousin of suspect Ryan Rafael.

She said she was told that she would be the “next to fall” if she would not withdraw her homicide complaint against Rafael and his cousin, Jenny Caringal.

The court has yet to issue an arrest warrant against the two, but Samonte quoted court personnel as saying that it will be out soon.

Samonte recalled that at around 11:30 p.m. of Sept. 4, Rafael and Caringal, who were on board a motorcycle, went to their house in Sadara Subdivision and looked for Murphy.

“When my son came out I heard him arguing with Ryan. I tried to pacify Ryan but he pushed me,” she said in Filipino.

Samonte said her 17-year-old niece then saw Caringal allegedly hand Rafael a caliber .22 paltik revolver which the latter allegedly fired, hitting Murphy in the middle of his eyes. Murphy was declared dead on arrival at the De La Salle Hospital in Cavite.

Samonte said Rafael and Caringal have been frequently seen in the subdivision after the incident.

She said she sought protection from Dasmariñas Mayor Jenny Barzaga but was referred to the police “who did nothing about my complaint.”

Samonte vowed to continue to seek justice for her slain son “even if it will cost my life.”