Two minors found slain in Rizal cemetery

Two minors were found dead with multiple stab wounds inside an old cemetery in Sitio Namay, Barangay San Juan, Morong, Rizal, on Sunday afternoon.

The victims were identified as Russel Ignacio Hernandez, 12, and Rhea Jane Pines Tayaban, 13, both residents of Barangay Maybancal in the same town.

Their bodies were discovered at about 5:40 p.m. after police received a report.

Investigators said the two were last seen alive at a computer shop in Sitio Sagbat. When they failed to return home, their parents began searching for them and later sought police assistance.

In a follow-up operation, authorities arrested an 18-year-old male at around 8 p.m. The suspect is a neighbor and first cousin of the female victim.

P/Maj. Elmer Rabano, chief of the Morong Municipal Police Station, said the suspect initially pretended to help search for the minors.

The crime was uncovered when investigators noticed wounds and traces of blood on the suspect’s hands. He later admitted to the crime and led authorities to the location where the knife was allegedly discarded.

Police said the suspect brought the victims to the cemetery, claiming he sought emotional support after a failed courtship.

He reportedly told investigators he blacked out due to drunkenness and reacted after the victims allegedly said something he did not like.

However, Russel’s aunt claimed that her nephew was allegedly held at knifepoint and forced to go to the cemetery.

The victims’ families are grieving the loss. Roma Tabayan, mother of Rhea Jane, expressed anguish over the suspect’s identity.

"Even if he is my nephew, what he did to his own [first] cousin was inhumane," she said.

The suspect is currently detained at the Morong Municipal Police Station custodial facility and is facing appropriate charges.

Authorities said the remains of the two minors are undergoing autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.