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Some suspects in Dacera death already made 'initial contacts,' says Sinas


Some of those present when flight attendant Christine Dacera died in a Makati City hotel on New Year's Day have made "initial contacts" to the police, according to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Debold Sinas 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 Dacera's relatives, including her mother Sharon, in San Juan City.

Sinas has earlier issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the suspects in Dacera's death "or we will hunt you down using force if necessary."

The PNP earlier said three people have been nabbed and charged with rape with homicide in connection to the death of the 23-year-old flight attendant. Eight other people remain 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."

He also said failure of the suspects to present themselves to the police could lead to charges of direct contempt filed against them.

"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.

The CIDG, Sinas said, has already organized a manhunt team.

The PNP chief also maintained that the case of Dacera's death is considered "solved" although "investigation and manhunt continues."

As to reports that Dacera died of aneurysm and was neither killed nor raped, Sinas said they are leaving it to the legal officers to explain in court, but insisted that the victim was raped.

"We have discussed with the investigators and the other senior officers. I think there is really rape. Look, hindi ba yung babae may bruises?" he said.

Sinas also said other people aside from Dacera's 11 friends were seen entering the hotel room. "There are others na nakita sa CCTV footages na meron pang ibang pumapasok doon for the last hour ng incident," he said.

Sharon Dacera, meanwhile, thanked the PNP for the efforts it is exerting in determining the facts behind her daughter's death but refused to delve into "legalities."

"With regard sa mga legalities and everything, I throw it to may lawyer," she said.

Christine Dacera's body was found lifeless in a bathtub of the City Garden Hotel in Makati City on January 1 after a night spent partying with friends. —KBK, GMA News

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