Makati prosecutors start probe on Christine Dacera case

The Makati Prosecutor's Office on Wednesday started its preliminary investigation of the criminal complaint against the men who were with flight attendant Christine Dacera hours before she died.

Eleven respondents face a complaint for rape with homicide over the death of the 23-year-old Dacera on January 1, following a New Year's Eve celebration with friends.

In the preliminary investigation, prosecutors will decide whether to file charges against the respondents in court.

In a statement, the city prosecutor's office said seven out of 11 respondents and their lawyers attended Wednesday's hearing and five of them submitted a joint counter-affidavit.

The office also said that the Philippine National Police (PNP) submitted a supplemental complaint but said they are still waiting for the results of the DNA analysis, histopath examination, and laboratory examination from the Makati Medical Center.

"Hence, they moved for the resetting of the preliminary investigation," the Makati prosecutor's office said.

Dacera was found lifeless in the bathtub of a hotel room in Makati where she had spent New Year's Eve. Her family believes she was drugged and sexually abused.

On the other hand, her friends who were with her said they did not harm her, claiming instead that they took care of her when they saw she was heavily drunk.

Three of the respondents were detained by police but were ordered released by prosecutors who found that the initial evidence was insufficient to support the allegation that a crime was committed.

Instead, Assistant City Prosecutor Joan Bolina-Santillan referred the case for further investigation.

The preliminary investigation that started on Wednesday will allow both the complainant and the respondents to submit more evidence.

The National Bureau of Investigation is conducting a parallel investigation. —KBK, GMA News