Fiscal OKs Magalang slay raps

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – The Cavite prosecutor’s office has approved the filing of attempted rape with homicide charges against two brothers for the killing of Cyrish Magalang, a 20-year-old cum laude Tourism graduate of the University of Santo Tomas, in Bacoor City last Oct. 31.

Superintendent Romano Cardiño, Bacoor City police chief, told The STAR that provincial prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco and assistant prosecutor Larry Caberos have approved a resolution for the filing of charges against Rolin and Roel Gacita before the Bacoor regional trial court.

“There was reasonable ground to elevate the case from attempted robbery with homicide to attempted rape with homicide,” Cardiño said.

He said the prosecutors did not recommend bail for the Gacitas, who had owned up to the killing.

Quoting Velasco, Cardiño said the Gacita brothers conspired in attempting to rape Magalang as police photos showed her underwear had been pulled down.

“The intent to kill was duly established in this case as the victim was found brutally stabbed in various parts of the body with the use of a screwdriver,” the resolution stated.

Magalang was found dead with 49 stab wounds. Her body was dumped in an abandoned nipa hut in Gawaran Heights in Barangay Molino 7, Bacoor.  She was buried last Tuesday in a memorial park in Las Piñas City.

“We are happy that justice was served before she was finally laid to rest,” said Magalang’s aunt Merlyn.