EDITORIAL - Solving Silawan’s murder

As all eyes focused on the person arrested in Davao as a person of interest in the ghastly murder of 16-year-old Christine Lee Silawan in Lapu-Lapu City, a teenager who could help solve the case was caught.

The National Bureau of Investigation is now holding custody of a 17-year-old boy --said to be a former boyfriend of the victim-- who was arrested during an operation conducted by NBI operatives in Barangay Maribago Saturday night.

According to NBI-7 Regional Director Tomas Enrile, the boy was seen in closed-circuit television camera footage together with Silawan at a subdivision in Maribago before her lifeless body was discovered.

NBI deputy director Antonio Pagatpat confirmed the arrest of the boy, saying that appropriate charges have already been filed against the suspect yesterday. A report said the boy had admitted to the NBI that jealousy prompted him to commit the crime.

Although they are glad that a suspect has finally been arrested, the victim’s family is hoping that the other suspects will be apprehended. One of the witnesses claimed seeing at least three persons committing the crime.

As we begin to see a clearer picture in the investigation into Silawan’s death, it seems authorities are now on the right track in solving the case. The public hopes this major development will bring positive impact in the quest for justice for Silawan.

This is not to conclude the arrested teenager was really behind the gruesome killing of Silawan. Let us just wait for authorities to present incriminating evidence against him and other suspects in court.

Yes, the authorities need to convince the court with whatever proof they produce. That is why any evidence they gathered against whoever they accuse as being behind Silawan’s death must be strong enough to merit conviction.