Family of ‘chopped lady’ cries over slow progress of the case

CEBU, Philippines —  The family of the woman whose body was chopped off and dumped in different areas has appealed for a faster investigation as the police have already filed the charges against the suspect before the prosecutor's office.

In an interview with the reporters, Analou Lopez, sister of Angelie Lopez Kintanar, whose body was found chopped, appealed for a speedy investigation into the case.

Lopez said they have identified the body of her sister four months ago. Aside from report of the filing of charges, she said they haven't received any progress yet of the suspects.

She said they were also told that the suspects have also filed countercharges but they have not received any copy.

"Wa baya tay hold diha, mahadlok sad mi ba nga ang among kontra kay prominent og kaliwat," said Lopez.

"Mana sya og counter unya gi-mail daw sa akoa nga address kay ako may complainant nya wa pa man koy na-receive hangtud karon," she added.

Currently, Lopez also said they have yet to receive any update that would call for a preliminary hearing.

"Wala mi ka estorya og prosecutor. Ang kaso naa sa prosecutor pero wa pa mi nagka-atubang gyud sukad. Igo ra mi gi-receive didto pag February, gi-receive ang amoang findings ngadto. Unya dayon, hangtud karon, wala pa mi preliminary hearing. Ang amo gibuhat is sige ramig adto sa prosecutor, mo-follow up ko every now and then kung naa na bay resolution, unya wala pa man daw," said Lopez.

It was reported that last October 24, a torso believed to be that of a woman was found in Talamban in Cebu City. Meanwhile, a human arms and legs were found in Mandaue City in the evening of the same day.

 Police Captain Jonathan Taneo, the then Talamban Police Station chief, had mentioned that they are coordinating with the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) as other body parts found in the area were believed to be connected with the woman.

Just days after, the head part was found also in Mandaue City.

According to Lopez, January of this year, they have identified the body of her sister based upon the result of the DNA testing.

This was months after they have reported her missing to the police.

"Pagkakita pa lang daan sa picture, makaingon jud nga igsuon. Pero dili ra man atoang feeling ang basehan ana nga atoa na nga igsuon, mo-undergo pa man gyud ta og mga medical. Gikwaan og sa dental niya ug DNA sa akong duha ka igsuon. Confirmed 100%," she said.

Lopez said they are calling for a faster pace of investigation since her sister was “brutally killed.” She added that her sister was last seen October 18, 2020.

Police Brigadier General Ronnie Montejo, Police Regional Office (PRO-7) director, also said they are just awaiting for the warrant of arrest that will be issued by the court.

"Karon na na-file na man, ato lang huwat-huwaton kay naa silay gibantayan nga dili maka-leave (suspect)," said Montejo.

"Daku kaayo akong mapasalig nga di gyud nato ni mapasagdan ug ato gyud ning asikasohon labi na nga na file na ang kaso, usa sa gilikayan karon nga dili mo-leak kay medyo sensitive ang gi file-lan og kaso," he added. — GMR (FREEMAN)