Ex-maid tagged in rob-slay arrested

MANILA, Philippines - A former housemaid who allegedly stabbed dead a 52-year-old woman and seriously hurt her 81-year-old aunt during a robbery in Mandaluyong City last Oct. 30 was arrested in Camarines Sur Sunday.

Oranesa Bogcalao, 24, alias Ola, did not resist arrest when cornered by Mandaluyong City police officers in the house of her brother in Zone 7, Barangay Binaliw, Calabanga town.

Senior Superintendent Armando Bolalin, city police chief, said Bogcalao vehemently denied killing Solina Viray and attacking her former employer, meat shop owner Milagros Viray.

However, Milagros, who is recovering from stab wounds at the Victor Potenciano Medical Center, identified Bogcalao as her attacker.

Bolalin said Bogcalao often visits her former employer’s apartment at the ground floor of a three-story residential building to help in household chores, including cleaning Milagros’ room. The Virays’ relatives occupy the upper floors.

The victim’s relatives told police that Bogcalao was allegedly robbing Milagros when Solina woke up. The suspect repeatedly stabbed Solina, whose body was found in the bathroom.

Milagros was also awakened by Solina’s cries for help and she, too, was stabbed repeatedly by Bogcalao. Before losing consciousness, Milagros identified Bogcalao as her attacker.

Milagros’ relatives claimed she lost at least P1 million in cash and jewelry to Bogcalao, who denied the allegations against her. Bolalin, however, said Bogcalao was arrested as she was in the middle of having a new house constructed in her hometown.