Boniel’s sister, friends offer mass

The older sister and friends of Bien Unido Mayor Gisela Bendong-Boniel offered a mass in observance of her 40 days since death last Monday night.

The mass, which was initiated by Mikay Bendong, was held at the Marina Seaview in Lapu-Lapu City.

A compilation of pictures of the mayor was shown on a screen during the event.

Gisela has been missing since she was allegedly killed by her husband, Bohol Provincial Board Member Niño Rey Boniel.

According to one of the suspects, her body was thrown to the sea between Caubian and Ol- ango islands.

Mikay said her relatives will also offer a 40th day mass for her sister in Iligan once she arrives there within the week.

Among the officials who attended the event were former Police Regional Office 7 Director Noli Taliño, Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) Director Rommel Cabagnot, Regional Intelligence Division chief Jonathan Cabal, Cebu City Police Station 4 Chief Jacinto Mandal and LCPO chief-for-operations Junnel Caadlawon

The divers who helped in the search for the mayor’s body were also there.

“Thankful kaayo ko nila. Grabe ilang panlimbasog nga makita ang lawas (I am very thankful to the police officers and the divers who worked hard to find the body of Gisela),” said Mikay.

Mikay arrived in Cebu from Dubai last July 12.

She said she will stay in Cebu for the meantime to focus on seeking justice for Gisela.

“Gitutokan man gud ni namo karon. Nagkinahanglan mi og hustisya sa akong manghod (We are focusing on the case now. We want justice for my younger sister),” Mikay said.