A woman who was found shot and burned inside a car earlier this week was laid to rest past 10 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, as relatives called for justice for her and a male friend who also died in the crime.

Around 50 people attended the funeral led by her family. The woman and her male companion were found dead inside a burned vehicle on Monday in Peñaranda.

Police have arrested the primary suspect in Isabela. Authorities said the suspect was identified after the victim managed to send a selfie to her husband in the United States shortly before the crime. The photo reportedly showed the victim inside a vehicle with the woman believed to be the mastermind and her husband.

Police also arrested several people accused of helping hide the suspected mastermind. However, the gunman captured on CCTV footage and the driver of the suspected getaway tricycle remain at large.

Investigators are looking into a possible motive involving an unpaid debt owed by the suspect to the female victim. The male victim was believed to have been dragged into the crime after he was asked to drive the vehicle that day.

The victim’s husband has returned to the Philippines but declined for an interview. The victim’s sibling spoke on behalf of the family but also chose to remain off-camera due to safety concerns.

According to the sibling, the victim left home morning on Monday, March 9, to meet the female suspect to discuss the sale of a property. The male friend was asked to drive them because the sibling could not accompany her.

The family only learned of the tragedy when the police contacted them. The sibling confirmed later that the burned body found inside the vehicle was that of their sister.

“Sana’y makamit namin ‘yung hustisya na para sa kapatid ko at para sa kaibigan namin. Sana nga ay lahat ng sinong may kinalaman dito ay dapat sana lahat managot,” the victim’s sibling said.

The male victim was also buried earlier on Thursday, March 12. He was known in Palayan City as a member of the city’s rescue team.

Both families are now calling for justice as the investigation continues.