• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The investigation into the death of teenager Pearl Joy Galve, whose decomposing body was found inside a sugarcane field in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, took a twist after her stepfather, Rene John Nasis, admitted during the investigation that he molested her when she was 12 years old.
This was confirmed by NBI Bacolod chief Manuel Fayre on Friday, Aug. 30, but said that Nasis denied involvement in the death of his stepdaughter.
Nasis, an informant of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), went to the NBI office in Bacolod City on Friday, after he was issued a subpoena. He was accompanied by CIDG personnel.
Galve, 15, a student of Sum-ag National High School in Bacolod City, was found dead on Aug. 14, after she was reported missing on July 29.
Based on the autopsy results, the minor was beaten and strangled.
Fayre said that he is not inclined to believe that Nasis, who is not cooperating in their investigation, is innocent on the death of Galve, noting his behavior and the inconsistencies in his statements.
“We are not dealing with an ordinary criminal, but a hardened criminal,” the NBI Bacolod chief said, noting that Nasis was previously convicted and served a prison term with the Bureau of Corrections.
With no case yet filed against him, Nasis is free to go but the CIDG doesn’t want to do anything with him also, Fayre said.
A week after the discovery of the minor’s body, Nasis surfaced at the CIDG Bacolod Field Office to debunk insinuations that he was involved in the crime.
With the admission of Nasis of molesting his stepdaughter, Fayre said they will press charges against him for violation of Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act. | GB
