Jovelyn Galleno's cousin admits rape, murder —PNP

A relative of 22-year-old Jovelyn Galleno admitted raping and killing her weeks following her disappearance in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, the local police said.

In the latest episode of “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” Jovelyn’s cousin, Leobert Dasmarinas, was said to have confessed his crime to the police.

"Sa amin po, sa PNP (Philippine National Police), inamin po nya na sya ang pumatay at nag-rape sa kanyang pinsan, so person of interest na sya," Puerto Princesa City police spokesperson Police Captain Maria Victoria Iquin said.

"In his free will, inamin nya na sya ang pumatay at nanggahasa. Kung mayroon pa pong ibang suspects, ay yun ay patuloy nating iniimbestigahan. Inaantay po natin ang DNA testing para ma-determine natin kung ang skeletal remains na nadun sa crime scene ay si Jovelyn," she added.

Iquin said the victim’s alleged remains were discovered after her two cousins, Leobert and Jobert Valdestamon, had a heated argument that resulted in a stabbing incident.

During the incident, Iquin said that Leobert pointed to the location of Jovelyn’s remains.

This prompted the police to look into the grassy area of Pulang Lupa in Barangay Santa Lourdes last August 23.

Jovelyn’s personal belongings such as black bag, cellphone and some identification cards were recovered among the remains.

However, Jovelyn’s family said the underwear found among the remains does not belong to her.

They also questioned why there were skeletal remains since Jovelyn was only missing for three weeks.

"Nakapagdududa yung bungo na sinasabi nila three weeks ganun agad, linis? Hindi ako naniniwala," Jovelyn’s mother said. "Para sa akin hindi po 'yon siya."

Police investigators have requested a DNA test to confirm if the remains belongs to Jovelyn.

Her loved ones also doubted that their cousins were involved in Jovelyn’s disappearance.

Meanwhile, a resident, who lived close to area where the skeletal remains were found, said they had not smelled anything pungent.

This, the resident, said cast doubts among them if the remains belongs to Jovelyn.

Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Forensic Laboratory Chief Dr. Erwin Erfe said there were no soft tissues found in the remains.

According to Erfe, soft tissues in the bones could deteriorate after four to six months.

However, he said that it would be possible that soft tissues would degenerate more quickly if chemicals were applied into the remains.—LDF, GMA News