Police have identified the boyfriend of the student who was found dead and buried in the sand in Lingayen, Pangasinan, as main suspect in her death.

A friend of the victim, who witnessed the crime, pointed to the boyfriend as the suspect.

Authorities also focused the investigation on the boyfriend due to the exchange of messages he has had with the victim before the incident.

"Mayroon silang hindi pagkakaunawaan," PLtCol. Amor Mio Somine, Officer-in-Charge of Lingayen Police Station, said.

The boyfriend denied involvement in the crime.

Following the crime at Lingayen Baywalk, some residents are now questioning the safety of the area.

Authorities, however, assured the public that security is tight in the area, with police patrolling the Capitol Beach Front and surrounding areas regularly.

Gov. Ramon Guico III of Pangasinan praised the police for their quick investigation.

"I commend this investigation at trinabaho po ng kapulisan... At least I could say that the case is solved," Guico said.

Meanwhile, the PSU-Lingayen campus, where the victim studied, condemned the crime and expressed heartfelt condolences to her grieving family.

The university also promised to take steps to improve student safety and security.