ROXAS City — A 23-year-old construction worker has been arrested in Roxas City, Capiz after allegedly killing his 18-year-old former live-in partner.
The suspect, identified as Jericho Factolerin, is a resident of Barangay Mansakol, Sigma, Capiz. The victim, a masseuse known by the alias “Jeje,” was originally from Barangay Bangon-bangon, Sigma, and was temporarily staying in Roxas City for work.
According to police, Jericho confessed to forcing the victim to ingest Racumin, a type of rat poison, which led to her death. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, December 9.
Jeje was found unresponsive inside the bathroom of a lodging house in Inzo Arnaldo Village in Roxas City. Earlier that day, the two had checked into Room 12 of the establishment.
When the rental period was about to expire and the couple failed to respond to reminders, a staff member entered the room and discovered the victim unconscious near a bucket and the toilet.
The attendant immediately sought help, and the Roxas City Emergency Response Team arrived shortly after 1 a.m. Jeje was rushed to the Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival at 1:33 a.m. by the attending physician.
Initial examinations noted skin discoloration, described as “palanggit-om,” raising suspicion of poisoning.
Investigators recovered a plastic beverage bottle and debris from the scene. Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) also collected a black powder from the bathroom, believed to be Racumin dissolved in water and forcibly administered to the victim.
The suspect fled after the incident but was intercepted by law enforcement near the Roxas City Airport.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Ricardo Jomuad Jr., chief of the Roxas City Police Station, confirmed that the suspect voluntarily surrendered to members of the Aviation Security Group.
He is currently under hospital arrest after reportedly feeling unwell and allegedly attempting suicide following the crime.
Jomuad stated in a press briefing that the investigation remains ongoing pending the results of the autopsy, which will provide further details on Jeje’s death./PN
