Police are investigating the killing of an 85-year-old woman who was found dead inside her home in Barangay Poblacion, Mangaldan, Pangasinan, with investigators looking into robbery as possible motive.

The victim was identified as Emilia Aquino who was alone in her house when the crime happened on Friday night. Her body was discovered the following morning.

Her family is now calling for justice.

"Masakit ed siyak, anggano ayrok labat, ansakit kon maong." Rita Aquino, the victim's sister-in-law, said.

Mangaldan police said the victim's son found her body and sought help immediately after noticing signs of violence.

"Sa kanyang nakita (anak ng biktima) ay visible ang mga contusion sa mukha. Immediately, ni-report ito sa mga barangay kagawad at sa amin," PLTCOL. Perlito Tuayon, chief of the Mangaldan Police Station, said.

Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) recovered what investigators believe was the weapon used in the killing.

"Sa na-conduct ng SOCO ay na-recover nila ang 2x2 na coco lumber at 'yun ang ginamit na pamatay sa biktima," Tuayon said.

As of this writing, police said they have identified a person of interest but declined to release further details to avoid compromising the investigation.

Investigators are looking into the possibility that the attack was linked to the cash gift the victim had received as a senior citizen. If this was the case, however, the police said the suspect may not have obtained the money because the victim had given it to her son before the incident.

Authorities are also gathering witness accounts to help identify the suspect.

According to Rita Aquino, one relative recalled seeing an unidentified person near the victim's house on the night of the incident.

"Man-uuras may kaanakan ko say kwanto, walay too, aka bonnet, aka short, aka boxer, balet ambilunget," she said.