The Sara Municipal Police Station has successfully apprehended a suspect accused of murdering a mother and allegedly assaulting her 17-year-old niece in Barangay Arante, Sara, Iloilo.
The victim has been identified as Grace Asiwagan Fortaleza, 44, a resident of the area.
Allegations also indicate that the suspect assaulted the victim’s niece following the crime.
The suspect, known only by the alias “Ricky,” is a 34-year-old resident of Villa Hermosa, Sara, Iloilo.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo, Sara Mayor Jon Aying confirmed that the suspect was apprehended during a hot pursuit operation led by Police Major Joegen Suegay, the head of the Sara Police Station.
According to Mayor Aying, legal charges will be filed against the suspect tomorrow. He had previously urged law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation and rapid operation to capture the suspect.
Currently, the suspect is in police custody while investigations into the crime continue.
Reports suggest that the victims were asleep in their home when the suspect allegedly entered through a window.
Family members believe the suspect intended to assault the 17-year-old girl, but Grace woke up and confronted him, resulting in her sustaining severe injuries to her leg and face.
Authorities are still determining whether the suspect’s primary intention was to assault the minor or murder Grace.