UPLB lauds rapist’s conviction: Justice for Given Grace is justice for all of us

The University of the Philippines-Los Baños community has expressed relief that justice had been served in the case of UPLB student Given Grace Cebanico, who was raped and killed in October 2011.

In a Facebook post, the community said it found comfort with the long-awaited conviction of the offender, security guard Lester Ivan Rivera.

“While this would not serve to bring Given back to her family and friends, it comforts us that justice has been won on the side of the righteous and that the perpetrator of the dastardly act is off the streets, unable to do further harm, and could be behind bars for the rest of his life,” a statement from the UPLB community said.

Cebanico was a junior BS Computer Science student when she was held at gunpoint outside a UPLB dormitory, before being raped and brutally murdered.

The incident paved the way for the improvement of security measures in the campus and nearby areas, where several privately owned dormitories are located.

Among the efforts from UPLB are the installation of CCTV monitors in strategic areas, as well as the increase in the number and visibility of security personnel.

“We have worked closely with the local government and cooperated with the police to ensure the safety and security of our students, many of whom stay in private dormitories outside the campus.... We will do more even as we encourage UPLB constituents to be vigilang for the protection and safety of everyone,” the statement said.

It concluded, “The UPLB community expresses its gratitude to everyone who helped bring this case to a close.... That the trial took almost five years should not dampen our spirits for in the end, justice for Given is justice for all of us.”

Rivera  was recently found guilty beyond reasonable doubt for rape and murder.

The verdict was given by Judge Alberto Serrano of the Regional Trial Court Branch 92 in Calamba, Laguna.

Rivera will be serving three life imprisonment terms for the crime he committed four years ago. —Bianca Rose Dabu/NB, GMA News