Residents of Barangay San Nicolas, Bamban, Tarlac were horrified after discovering a half-naked woman, beaten badly and barely conscious, lying among tombs in an abandoned cemetery.

The 28-year-old victim, a native of Tarlac City, was rushed to the hospital after being found with severe injuries to her face and body.

Authorities said she was raped and almost died.

“Base po sa initial, posible po na nagahasa… at dahil po severe po talaga yung wounds, possible na balak po talagang patayin nung suspect po yung biktima. Fortunately po, buhay naman po yung biktima natin,” PMaj. Jessie James Domingo, Chief of Bamban Police Station, said.

According to the victim, she had just come from her aunt’s house in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

Closed circuit television (CCTV) footage showed her walking in Barangay Dolores where she was approached by a man in a yellow shirt.

In another video clip, the woman was seen following the man into Barangay San Nicolas in Bamban.

“Sa kanyang pagtawid habang naghihintay siya ng sasakyan pauwi, ito pong suspek natin biglang lumapit… nakipagkuwentuhan, tinanong kung saan papunta. Yung pagkakasabi po, ‘Kung doon din naman po ang papunta, ililibre na lang po ng pamasahe,’” Domingo said.

The suspect then offered to fetch his motorcycle from his aunt’s house and asked the victim to wait outside the house. The woman followed. Once in the secluded area, he reportedly asked for sex. When she refused, he punched her in the stomach and strangled her.

The suspect also took the victim’s cellphone, money, and belongings.

With the help of surveillance footage, police arrested the 31-year-old suspect the next day. He was found in possession of the stolen items.

He refused to give a full statement but police said he admitted to the crime and claimed theft was his only intention.

He now faces charges of rape, attempted murder, and robbery.