Face ‘karma,’ Rep. Duterte tells architect’s rapist-killers

DAvaocity—“karma”would catch up against the suspects who brutally raped and killed a female architect in this city in the next few days.

This was the stern message of First District Rep. Paolo Duterte when he offered P1 million bounty for the arrest of the suspects behind the rape-slay of 28-year-old Vlanche Marie Bragas, an architect.

On Monday, Duterte offered the cash reward after the incident raised a big howl among residents, and seen as an acid test to the administration of Paolo Duterte’s younger brother, Sebastian, the current mayor of the city.

Interviewed on TV, the older Duterte assured Davao residents that justice would soon be served.

Bragas was reported missing at pre-dawn of May 17 after she failed to go home the night before. Her body was later recovered at a banana plantation in Dacudao in Calinan on May 17, her body covered with dried banana leaves.

A closed circuit TV camera showed her boarding a yellow motorcab near Crossing Fausta in Calinan a day before. Davao police confirmed she was sexually assaulted before she was murdered. It was unclear how many people attacked her.

The regional police has asked for time to solve the case as it formed a special investigation unit.

The architects’ association has issued a statement condemning “the heinous act that befell Ar. Vlanche Marie Bragas. The news of her rape and subsequent abandonment in a desolate grassland has utterly shocked and anguished us. This unspeakable act goes against the very fabric of humanity and the principles we hold dear as architects, professionals, and fellow human beings.”

“We cannot fathom the pain and anguish you and your family are enduring. As a chapter, we also sympathize with the UAP Alpha chapter for losing a valuable member. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, as we hope you find solace and strength in the memories of Ar. Vlanche Marie Bragas.”