Inconsistencies found in alibi of suspect in killing of Cebuana teen

Authorities have found inconsistencies in the alibi of Jonas Bueno, the suspect behind the gruesome killing of 16-year-old Christine Lee Silawan, whose face was skinned and tongue mutilated in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

In a live report on GMA News TV's Balitanghali, Joseph Morong said Bueno claimed already being in Davao City on March 5, almost a week before Silawan's body was discovered on March 11 in Cebu.

But the suspect's alibi did not match that of his live-in partner, who was also arrested by authorities and insisted they returned to Davao City from Cebu much earlier, on February 22.

"Yun ang subject ng aming follow-up investigation para ma-establish namin kung paano talaga sila nakarating sa Davao City dahil hindi namin pinaniniwalaan lahat ng kanilang sinasabi dahil very inconsistent ang kanilang statement," said Chief Superintendet Marcelo Morales, director of the Davao Regional Police.

Bueno was arrested on Friday after informants identified him through photos of him on social media.

Bueno had a prior warrant of arrest from the Danao City Regional Trial Court Branch 25 after also being tagged as the suspect behind the killing of a senior citizen in 2017, where he also allegedly peeled her face to the bone.

Authorities said Bueno, who goes by the name Jason Martel in Davao City, admitted to the murder of the elderly in Danao.

NBI Director Dante Gierran arrived in Davao and is waiting for officials from the Cebu Regional Office to conduct an interrogation of the suspect.

Authorities clarified Bueno's link to the killing has yet to be established, even as the suspect has repeatedly denied that he knew Silawan.

Answering allegations that he is part of a cult, Bueno said his tattoos are just for "fun."

There are no advisories on whether President Rodrigo Duterte will travel to Davao to see the suspect. — Jamil Santos/MDM, GMA News