A missing transgender woman was found dead in an irrigation canal in Sitio Burnao, Barangay Del Pilar, Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija, on Friday, June 19, two days after her disappearance.
According to a report by RH Grace Sansano, the victim, identified as alias "Bella," a resident of Barangay Cama Juan, San Antonio, Nueva Ecija, was discovered floating in the canal at around 3:40 p.m. on Friday.
Initial investigation said a farmer discovered the victim's body floating in the irrigation canal and immediately reported his discovery to the police.
Investigators said the victim was last seen alive in the early hours of Wednesday when she was picked up by her 25-year-old former boyfriend, known by the alias "Baby Boy."
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage obtained by police reportedly showed the victim riding on a motorcycle with the suspect on June 16, shortly before she was reported missing.
Chief investigator of the Zaragoza Police Station PCMS Allan De Leon told DZRH News that the location where the body was recovered falls within the vicinity of the farmland owned by the suspect's parents' property.
The suspect's father allegedly discovered the body in the irrigation canal and informed the police.
The forensic examination revealed that the victim died from manual strangulation. Investigators also found stones tied to the victim's body, which were believed to have been used to keep the body from floating to the surface.
"Ang ikinamatay niya ay sa sakal. Tinalian 'yung kanyang paa nilagyan ng pabigat [bato] sa tubig para hindi lumutang," he said.
Police are investigating jealousy as a possible motive after learning that the suspect had allegedly been trying to reconcile with the victim following their breakup.
"Sa initial [investigation] lumalabas na selos kasi hiwalay na sila mga ilang linggo na naghiwalay tapos parang gustong makipagbalikan ng suspek sa kanya," De Leon added.
The suspect was later arrested in a follow-up police operation and is currently detained at the Zaragoza Municipal Police Station.
Police have filed a murder case against the suspect as the investigation continues.
