A tragic development has come to light as the remains of Irene Melican, a 38-year-old employee of the University of the Philippines (UP-Diliman) who had been missing since June, were discovered in Tuba, Benguet. Authorities revealed that Melican’s death was marked by severe trauma, suggesting a “very painful death.”
According to a report by GMA News’ John Consulta, Melican was last seen in June. Her vehicle and personal items, including her cell phone and credit card, were later recovered. In July, the National Bureau of Investigation-National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) arrested her boyfriend, who emerged as the primary suspect in her disappearance.
NBI-NCR Regional Director Ferdinand Lavin confirmed, “The conduct was done with the Tuba, Benguet police, the DNA matched doon sa samples, reference materials taken from the parents of victim, Irene Melican. Nagkaroon kami ng closure na ito talaga ang taong hinahanap namin who was earlier kidnapped by her boyfriend.”
The medico-legal report from the Philippine National Police, supported by a re-autopsy conducted by the NBI, revealed that Melican suffered blunt traumatic injuries to her chest and neck, with broken ribs on the left side of her body.
“She suffered a very painful death,” Lavin said, highlighting the severity of the crime.
Investigators also visited the suspect’s residence in Pateros, where unusual items, including boxes containing snakes and rats, were found along with other personal belongings. Lavin noted, “The NBI will try to establish kung saan eksakto pinatay, at kung sinu-sino ang pumatay, ilang tao ang pumatay. As of now, Director Santiago is still on top of this case.”
