Makati City Prosecutor’s Office begins prelim probe on Christine Dacera case

MANILA, Philippines — The Makati City Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday started its preliminary investigation into the complaint lodged against 11 individuals over the death of flight attendant Christine Dacera.
The respondents are facing a complaint for rape with homicide. They were identified as among the individuals who were with Dacera hours before she died on January 1, following a night of partying with friends.
In a press statement, the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office said 7 out of 11 respondents and their legal counsels attended Wednesday’s hearing.
Five of them submitted their counter-affidavit.
The office also said that the Philippine National Police (PNP) has submitted a supplemental complaint but manifested that it is still awaiting results of the DNA analysis, histopath examination, and laboratory results from Makati Medical Center
“Hence, they moved for the resetting of the preliminary investigation,” it said.
Dacera was found in the bathtub of a hotel room in Makati where she attended a party with some friends on December 31, 2020.
Three of the respondents were detained by police but was ordered released by the City Prosecutor’s Office after it referred the case for further investigation to allow both the complainant and the respondents to submit more evidence.
The next hearing is scheduled on January 27.