DOJ chief to discuss Christine Dacera case with NBI

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said he will discuss the case of the death of flight attendant Christine Dacera with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday. 

"I'll take up the Dacera case with the NBI today," Guevarra said in a message to reporters. 

The secretary previously said he will let the Philippine National Police handle the case. 

Dacera, 23, was found dead in the bathtub of a Makati hotel room on January 1 and police said there were indications of foul play. She had checked in to celebrate New Year's Eve with friends.

Her reported cause of death was a ruptured aortic aneurysm.

Three suspects have been arrested and face complaints for rape with homicide. Nine others are at large and have been told by police to surrender. 

In criminal procedure, people arrested without a warrant go through inquest, which is where prosecutors determine whether the arrest was valid and whether to file charges against the suspect in court. Only courts can issue arrest warrants. 

Guevarra said that if there is enough evidence, the prosecutor may request the court to issue a precautionary hold departure order — which will bar a person from leaving the country — pending inquest or preliminary investigation. 

On whether the Department of Justice will issue a travel alert against the suspects, he said they will wait for the formal filing of a complaint by the police. —KG, GMA News