Some of the suspects tagged in the death of flight attendant Christine Dacera have made “initial contacts” to the police, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Debold Sinas said on Wednesday.
“Some of them have already made initial contacts and pinu-push through po namin para mag shed light lang sila,” Sinas told reporters after meeting with Christine’s family, including her mother Sharon, in San Juan City.
The PNP chief has earlier issued a 72-hour deadline to the suspects “or we will hunt you down using force if necessary.”
The police said three people had been arrested and charged with rape with homicide while nine other people are still at large.
“We are appealing to the family, kung alam niyong walang kasalanan yung anak or kamag-anak niyo, let them surrender. Our lines are open,” Sinas said on Wednesday, adding the PNP has “subpoena power.”
Sinas added the suspects could be charged with direct contempt if they will not present themselves to the police.
“That’s why binigay ko na ang time because after hindi sila magpakita, CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) will be filing direct contempt [charges], so magka-warrant na kami. So kapag magka-warrant may dahilan na we will take them forcibly na para lang managot sila,” Sinas said.
CIDG has already organized a manhunt team, Sinas said.
Some suspects in Christine Dacera’s case made ‘initial contacts’ with PNP – Sinas
He also maintained that Christine Dacera’s death is considered “solved” although “investigation and manhunt continues.”
As to allegations that Christine Dacera died of natural causes (aneurysm) and was not killed, the PNP chief said they are leaving the matters to the legal officers to explain in court.
Meanwhile, Christine’s mother Sharon thanked the police for their efforts in identifying the real events that caused the flight attendant’s death.
“With regard sa mga legalities and everything, I throw it to may lawyer,” Sharon said.
Earlier, Sharon said in a press conference that her daughter is “very healthy” and had no history of aneurysm.
“Si PAL (Philippine Airlines), the company itself, hindi ka ipapa-duty kung may diperensya ka… E on duty ‘yung anak ko tapos COVID pa, kung isipin mo. So my daughter is very, very, very much healthy,” she said.