ILOILO – In Barangay Arante, Sara town a 44-year-old woman was killed and her 17-year-old adopted daughter was assaulted.
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) is investigating the brutal crime, suspected to involve two perpetrators.
The attack occurred at the residence where Grace Asiwagan Fortaleza lived with her adopted daughter.
Initial police investigation showed that the assailants broke into the home through a window. Late Wednesday night or before dawn on Thursday while Grace was asleep, the assailants clubbed her on the head.
It is believed that the noise awoke the daughter, who was then silenced by the suspects to prevent her from calling for help.
She managed to deceive the attacker by pretending to faint, which allowed her to escape further harm.
The local police, led by Police Major Jogen Suegay, has identified persons of interest but have withheld specific details to ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
The angles being considered include personal motives and theft, as evidenced by the stolen cellphones from the victims’ home.
Lota Asiwagan, Grace’s sister, has publicly demanded justice for her sister and niece, stressing the horrific nature of the crime and its impact on their family.
The Women’s and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) of the Sara police is closely involved in the investigation.
Grace’s ex-husband, Gilberto Fortaleza, confirmed they separated two years ago after a long marriage. He expressed shock at the violence, emphasizing that Grace had been a dedicated mother committed to the welfare of her child.
The Sara Municipal Police Station has identified persons of interest in the case but has withheld specific details to avoid jeopardizing the ongoing investigation. The motives behind the attack are still being determined, with robbery being considered since two cellphones were reported missing./PN
