Romblon massacre suspect nabbed

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — A suspect in the murder of a woman and her two sons in San Jose, Romblon was arrested on Friday.

Patrick Rufino Cahilig, 35, was arrested at his house in Barangay Poblacion, located 50 meters away from the house of the victims where the murder took place last Wednesday.

Cahilig will be charged with three counts of murder, robbery and attempted rape before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, according to Col. Reynold Rosero, Romblon police director.

The victims – Wielyn Mendoza, 29, and her sons TJ, 9, and JB, 7 – bore multiple stab wounds in the bodies, probers said.

“We are waiting for the results of the forensic tests, testimony of an eyewitness and other pieces of evidence before we file the charges,” Rosero said.

Cahilig was positively identified by witness Charlie Seraspi, a relative of the victims who was at the house when the crime occurred.

Seraspi said he slept at the victims’ house after they all attended the birthday party of a neighbor on Tuesday night.

He said he was roused by a noise and  saw Cahilig stepping out of the house.

The suspect was reportedly a partner of Wielyn’s aunt and was hired to help construct the victims’ house.

“The suspect had scratches in the body. It was possible that Wielyn fought back during the attack,” Rosero said.

Probers found traces of blood leading to the suspect’s house.