Another UPLB student killed, indignation rally set for Monday

A 19-year-old BS Agriculture student of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) was stabbed to death Sunday morning during what police said was a hold-up about a five-minute walk from the campus. Los Baños police chief Supt. Dante Novicio identified the fatality as Bernard Peñaranda of Tanay, Rizal. Citing initial reports, Novicio said two motorcycle-riding men held up Peñaranda and two companions along F.O. Santos St. in Umali Subdivision, around 200 meters from the campus.

It was the second killing of a UPLB student in the last six months. In October 2011, Given Grace Cebanico, a computer science student, was raped and killed while handcuffed in a gruesome crime that shocked the campus and made headlines. Her body was dumped in a canal along Apec Road in Los Baños. A security guard and tricycle driver were arrested and charged with the crime. Like Peñaranda, Cebanico lived in student quarters in Umali Subdivision, a short distance from the campus' main gate. After Sunday's predawn attack, Peñaranda's two companions rushed him to the Los Baños Doctors Hospital after he was stabbed by the robbers, but he was declared dead on arrival. The victim was stabbed once in the chest, Novicio said. His companions said the robbers were not able to get anything from the students. A group of UPLB student leaders met Sunday afternoon to plan an indignation rally on campus for Monday afternoon to denounce the crimes against UPLB students. Peñaranda was a member of Youth For Christ, UP Entomological Society and Makiling Ultimate Frisbee Club. Authorities are still investigating the incident, the police said. The incident happened five days after the rape-slay of 14-year-old Rochel Geronda in Los Baños. — Anna Mae Lamentillo /LBG/HS, GMA News