Rotoras widow now ‘person of interest’

In a surprising development, the widow of murdered University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) President Dr. Ricardo Rotoras is now a person of interest in the December 2, 2017 killing.

Together with 25 other family members, Zarah Lynn Rotoras voluntarily submitted herself to the investigation in the killing, making herself, and the rest, official persons of interest in the murder case.

Eldie Rotoras, the family’s spokesperson, said they are saddened that it has been over 7 months since his brother was killed, but up until now, no concrete evidence has been established.

Eldie specifically pointed out that the family noticed some ‘unusual behavior’ of Zarah Lynn, Rotoras’ widow. Rotoras was shot dead outside his house last December 2.

They found it odd that Zarah Lynn went home an hour earlier from a gathering that she attended with her husband. An hour later, Rotoras

was shot, but allegedly his wife’s only words were: “Jo, dalha na sa hospital (Jo, bring him to the hospital.”

Eldie said she did not accompany them to the City Hospital.

He said they also found it unusual why another brother, who was from barangay Bugo, arrived at the hospital almost at the same time with Zarah who only came from their residence.

The university president was shot dead outside his home at Golden Glow North Subdivision in Barangay Upper Carmen at about 1 am, December 2, 2017.

The Rotoras home in Barangay Upper Carmen is only a 5-minute ride to the City hospital.

“When we were showed my brother’s body, there was no tears and her facial expression showed no sign of sadness. We even saw her and her circle of friends sharing a laugh outside the morgue,” he said.

“During the wake, he stays early and come back already in the noon. What could kept her busy during those times other than taking care of her husband’s death? During the burial, when my other brother asked how she was, she said she’s okay and has already moved on,” he added.

Eldie said these observations are noted in an affidavit they already executed.

“We can see no effort from her side, one of my friends told me that she is no longer interested to file a case or to seek justice anymore,” he said.

“This is all to make the case alive because we can feel that it is becoming hopeless, so we decided to submit ourselves to authorities to be considered all as persons of interest,” he said.

The appeal letter, which was sent to Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) Director Senior Superintendent Nelson Aganon, was signed by 26 family members.

Meanwhile, COCPO spokesperson Superintendent Mardy Hortillosa said they welcome this development and even before this move of the family, the police were investigating all angles, including all persons that has connection with Dr. Rotoras.