Guv Espino condoles with family of waylaid scholar

LINGAYEN---Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr., extended the province's sympathy and condolences to the family of Shanika Bautista Toquero, a 17 year old provincial scholar who was raped and killed in Barangay Bila, Sison where she lived with her family. The governor's sentiment over the tragic fate of the student was conveyed by Administrative Officer V Irmina Francisco who visited the wake of Toquero last July 26 to condole with the bereaved family and offer prayers and sympathies. The waylaid victim's body was found lifeless on July 22 at 6:30 am along a creek near the Toquero residence. Shanika suffered several stab wounds in different parts of the body with her lower garment stripped. Ms. Francisco lamented the death of Shanika who just acquired her scholarship. Toquero is among the eight scholars under the National Commission on Indigenous People who made it to the list of scholars of the provincial government this year. As this developed, Police Senior Inspector Raymond Cometa Nicolas disclosed that the suspect on Toquero's death has been arrested on the evening of July 22 at 9:45pm following a hot pursuit operation by operatives of the Sison Police Station. The rape suspect, identified as Freddie Quimson Abalos, a 28-year old resident of Barangay Poblacion, Laoac, is now at the Urdaneta City Jail. (PIO/Angeline D. Villanueva)