Rape with homicide and robbery charges have been filed against the suspects in the death of Ebeng Mayor, a 21-year old transgender man, in Quezon City.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Guillermo Eleazar confirmed the arrest of three suspects identified as Zander Dela Cruz, Joel Loyola, and Richard Elvin Araza.
Even though the police has apprehended the suspects, Eleazar stressed on Sunday, May 23, that the case remains open until the court gives its final verdict.
"We consider them resolved because the perpetrators were identified, actually all of them, and cases have been referred or filed before the appropriate office or agencies," Eleazar said during a press briefing.
"Hindi natin isinasara, unless na makakuha tayo ng conviction. Iyon ang ating tutukan, mas mapalakas pa itong kasong ito dahil ang gusto natin mabigyan ng hustisya para na rin sa kanyang mga magulang at, siyempre, para sa atin lahat na rin," he added.
Meanwhile, Eleazar assured that the case officer investigators and Quezon City Police District Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit PMaj Elmer Monsalve will receive awards and commendations for the immediate arrest of the suspects.
"While patuloy ang ating internal cleansing, the good deeds of our personnel will be always recognized at ito yung sa mga nakita natin na mabilis na aksyon sa mga kasong kanilang ginagampanan," the PNP chief said.
"Kung mahigpit tayo at mabilis magbigay ng sanctions sa ating mga pulis na hindi sumusunod sa ating mga guidelines, dapat ay mas mabilis din tayo or, easily, we should process immediately these awards and commendations," he stressed.
