Family of senior citizen killed with 5-inch needle calls for justice

The family of a 68-year old woman who was stabbed to death with a five-inch needle by one of her employees  in Candaba, Pampanga is calling for justice.

In Emil Sumangil’s exclusive report on 24 Oras on Thursday, victim Lavinia Gulapa was found dead in her office inside a warehouse in Barangay Barangka.

Investigation revealed that Gulapa sustained defense wounds and bore bruises on her back.

“Mayroon siyang malalim na saksak sa puso, dalawa (She had two deep stabs in her heart,” Gulapa’s son said.

“Yung pantahi ng sako, yun ang ginamit niyang sandata (a needle for sewing sacks is the murder weapon),” he said.

One of their workers, Jerome Santiago, was identified as the suspect.

After committing the crime in April 2024, CCTV footage caught Santiago walking along a highway carrying a red bag supposedly containing P60,000 in cash and a handgun.

“Matagal na siyang nag serbisyo sa amin. Wala kaming pinakita na hindi maganda. Ang hiling ko panagutan niya ito,” Gulapa’s son said.

(He’s been working for us for a long time. We’ve always treated him well. I ask that he answers for what he did.)

According to Gulapa’s son, the suspect became angry after his mother refused the suspect’s request to get his salary earlier.

“Ang nababalitaan ko, nangangailangan siya ng pera, Mayroon na siyang mga bale. Isa rin sa narinig ko may bisyo. Droga,” he said.

(From what I heard, he needed money. He had already made cash advances. I heard he had vices. Illegal drugs.)

Seven months after the crime, the court released an arrest warrant against the suspect.

“Gusto ko po sana makulong ang tao, pagdudahan niya ang ginawa niyang pagpatay sa inay ko. Sa lahat po ng puedeng makapagturo sa tao, magbibigay kami ng pabuya, P300,000,” Gulapa’s son said.

(I want him  imprisoned and to atone for killing my mother. To those who have information on his whereabouts, we will give a P300,000 reward.)

For those who can provide information that may lead to an arrest, you can call or text 09171324975.
—Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News