USC Main sets up vigil, seeks justice for Karen

STOP Senseless Killings. We Seek Justice. Must Act Now.

These were the appeal of more than 700 students of the University of San Carlos (USC) who condemned the murder of Karen Kaye Montebon, a 17-year old accountancy student.

In a vigil held at the Rockledge Gym at the USC Main campus yesterday afternoon, students wearing black shirts offered prayers, lit candles and messages for Karen Kaye.

Montebon was murdered inside her home in Barangay Basak, LapuLapu City last Tuesday.

In messages written on a “freedom wall” placed in the gym, students not only offered prayers for the slain student’s eternal repose, they also condemned her murder.

Some students urged the National Government to revive the death penalty.

One student, who asked not to be named, said Montebon’s death must serve as a “wake-up call” for the National Government.

“Kanus-a man ta muaction, sa dihang naa napoy estudyante nga mamatay? Mas maayong pamatyon nalang na sila kaysa mapriso ra sila (When will we do something? When another one of us is killed? It’s better to kill the killers rather than put them in jail).”

A student wrote on the wall: “Kill All the Criminals!! We need you Duterte. Yes, to Death Penalty!”

The student referred to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who is known for his strong stance against criminals in his city.

During the vigil, Montebon’s classmates and teachers honored the slain student in their speech.

Lakaisha Moncano, one of Montebon’s closest friends, described Karen Kaye as a “caring and deeply religious” person.

The Montebons are members of the Pentecostal Church. Eleonor Paclijan, chairman of the USC’s Accountancy Department, was emotional when she spoke to Montebon’s blockmates.

“I am sorry for your loss. But life must go on. We might not understand it yet, but let her life serve as an inspiration,” Paclijan said.

Fr. Anthony Salas, SVD, USC’s vice president for academic affairs, said that the gathering yesterday was a show of indignation against the senseless murder of Montebon and other innocent people.

USC also held a prayer vigil in their south and Talamban campuses.

Salas added that they will continue to assist Montebon’s family in their hour of grief.