Prosecutor wraps up Dacera probe

MANILA, Philippines — The Makati prosecutor’s office concluded yesterday its preliminary investigation on the criminal charges filed against at least 11 respondents over the death of flight attendant Christine Dacera.

The complaint for rape with homicide has been submitted for resolution, according to Mike Santiago, lawyer for some of the respondents.

Santiago said the prosecutor would determine if there is strong evidence to file charges against the respondents in court.

He said the Dacera family and the respondents would have to wait for the prosecutor’s decision for at least 60 days.

The respondents submitted their affidavits during yesterday’s hearing.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which is conducting a parallel probe, shared their findings on the death of Dacera.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has said the NBI would be able to complete its probe this week.

Dacera, 23, was found dead at the City Garden Grand Hotel in Makati on Jan. 1 after partying with her friends.

Her family believes she was drugged and sexually abused, which contributed to her death.

The PNP medico-legal report maintained that Dacera died of a ruptured aortic aneurysm caused by increased blood pressure.