By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The family of two women killed in Barangay Lanot is seeking justice following the brutal deaths of Elma Perla, 73, and her daughter, Ruby Jean Perla, 36.
Ruel Orson Perla, a relative, posted on Facebook urging the public to help their family seek justice for the victims.
“To the killer of my mother and my sister, Satanas is waiting for you!” he wrote.
“And to you mama and sister, the Lord will give you both love and eternal life.”
“The Lord will be with you both now and forever.”
“And to you, my sister Ruby, I love you ‘coz you’re my sister.”
“I will miss you, my love, my sister Ruby and mama Elma. Goodbye. Rest in peace.”
Police have identified three persons of interest in the case, which is under investigation.
Lt. Col. Ricardo Jomuad, the newly appointed Roxas City police chief, declined to release their names while the probe is ongoing.
The bodies of the victims were found at 10:20 a.m. on May 7 inside their home in Sitio Riles, Barangay Lanot.
They were discovered lying in pools of blood in the living room with head injuries believed to have been inflicted by a hard object.
Ruby Jean’s 8-year-old son, who is on the autism spectrum, reportedly sought help from a neighbor, shouting, “Wawa is going to the hospital. Open the door.”
Roselyn Padio, a niece of Elma and a neighbor, said she rang the doorbell several times but received no response.
She then climbed the gate and entered through an unlocked kitchen door, where she found Elma lifeless and covered in blood.
She later found Ruby Jean nearby, partially undressed and also bloodied.
Responders from the Capiz Emergency Response Team confirmed that the victims had no vital signs and did not transport them to the hospital.
Jomuad said the attack likely occurred between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m.
Autopsies have been conducted to determine the causes of death.
Closed-circuit television footage showed Ruby Jean’s car entering the property at 5:01 a.m., consistent with her usual post-work routine.
It was learned that Ruby Jean usually arrived home at around 4 a.m. and also worked part-time as a home-based tutor.
Neighbors told investigators they heard a commotion around 4 a.m. but thought it was just a typical household noise.
Police found no signs of forced entry at the scene.
A bloodstained GI square tube discovered inside a kitchen cabinet is believed to be the possible weapon used.
Col. Albert Tapulao, Capiz police director, said a crime of passion may be the motive, though he declined to elaborate as the investigation continues.
Authorities are still verifying the identities and connections of those involved.
