Christine Angelica Dacera, 23 was celebrating New Year’s Eve with friends and colleagues in a hotel in Makati, Manila. 11 men attended the party with her, but she was only friends with three of them.
One of her friends found her unconscious in the bathtub the next day and rushed her to the hospital where they declared her dead. Scratches and bruises were found on the air stewardess’ body, with “lacerations and sperm in her genitalia”.
Makati City Police chief Colonel Harold Depositar disclosed that the 11 men were charged with rape and murder as they had been with Dacera at the time of her death. However, the charges are provisional as authorities are waiting for the autopsy and toxicology reports. 3 have been arrested but the rest remain at large.
Dacera’s mother, Sharon, said in an interview that she allowed Dacera to attend the party as she trusted her daughter’s colleagues.
“Why did they have to do that to my child?” she asked. “I want to seek justice. Justice for my daughter and I hope the same thing doesn’t happen to their child. They raped my child. I hope this doesn’t happen to their sibling, to their children. I don’t want any more victims.”
Many have left tributes on her Instagram; one follower leaving the following: “Thank you for sharing your beautiful soul Tine, fly high. We’re praying for you!”
Our hearts and prayers go out to her and her family.
Sources: Coconuts PH, Inquirer.
