Cops search for person of interest in deaths of 2 college students in Rizal

Police are now searching for a person of interest in the killing of two college students in Barangay San Jose, Rodriguez in Rizal province.

According to a report on GMA News' Unang Balita by Jamie Santos on Thursday, police said the person of interest may be previously involved in a robbery-slay case as the victims' money and cellphones were missing.

"Maaaring hinoldap sila. May nawawalang gamit," Superintendent Hector Grijaldo chief of police of Rodriguez, Rizal, said.

Authorities have identified one of the victims as Charmaine Villarias based on her school ID found at the crime scene.

The other victim, a young man who sustained two stab wounds with his feet tied together, has not yet been identified.

Both victims were still wearing their school uniforms when they were found in an area often visited by students and couples.

The remains have undergone autopsy.

Authorities are also looking into the possibility that Villarias was raped after she was found with no underwear while her hands and feet were tied. A piece of cloth was also tied around her neck.

"Most probably baka na-rape po 'yun. 'Yung mga guards doon sa area na may sine-secure din sila doon, sinabi po nila na they heard a shout asking for help," Grijaldo said.

Her cousin, Rialyn Ergina, identified the remains of Villarias, saying that the victim was supposed to graduate from college next year.

"Third year na po siya ngayon kaya po, Sir, nanghinayang ako. Gusto ko man siyang pauwiin eh dahil nga po graduating na siya next year, nanghihinayang ako," Ergina said.

Their remains were brought to Heaven's Gate Funeral Homes in Antipolo, Rizal. —Marlly Rome Bondoc/KG, GMA News