15-year-old, allegedly molested and killed by cops, buried in simple ceremony

Fabel Pineda was buried Wednesday noon, July 22, at the Cabugao cemetery in Ilocos Sur. White balloons were released as per superstition, so that the prayers for the dead would follow the 15-year-old. Written on the t-shirts of the mourners: “Justice for Fabel.”

Cabugao police chief Captain Ramil Llarenas said in an interview on local radio DWRS on Saturday, July 4, that the girl was attacked on her way from the Cabugao police station where had just she filed a “molestation complaint” against two policemen from neighboring San Juan town.

The girl’s older cousin was also allegedly molested by the two cops, Llarenas said.

The police chief said that the victim was on a motorcycle ride home with her uncle and a male cousin, when a motorcycle with two passengers wearing helmets and face masks chased and bumped their motorcycle. They targeted the girl and shot her 5 times before fleeing.

The girl was rushed to the hospital but she was declared dead on arrival. Her uncle and cousin were not hurt.

Police Staff Sergeants Randy Ramos and Marawi Torda, the officers Fabel accused of molesting her, are the main suspects in her killing. The two have been detained, while the police chiefs of the two towns have also been relieved. The female police officer who refused Fabel protection was also relieved, and has an administrative case filed against her.

On July 15, Fabel’s mother Blessie Torres arrived for the burial from Kuwait, where she works as a domestic helper. Her fare was shouldered by Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Singson.

When she arrived in in Cabugao, she found that her barangay was locked down because of quarantine protocol, so the wake had to be limited.

Wednesday’s entourage started at their house in Cabugao at about 7:30 am. The funeral carriage was the traditional carriage with glass walls and white balloons. Only relatives and close friends walked the procession while the rest rode in their vehicles, with most wearing black or white t-shirts with “Justice for Fabel” printed in front.

The procession stopped at St. Mark the Evangelist Church at the town plaza where more of their townmates arrived. The burial ended before noon. 

The teen’s killing has sparked outrage online as her family, friends, and netizens posted calls for justice. The post of Facebook page, I Do Not Consent, has been shared over 20,000 times as of this posting. 

Torres said that she would not go back to Kuwait until justice for her daughter was served. – Rappler.com