DepEd-Sagay seeks justice for slain couple

Responders and police check the bodies of Ermelito and Melani Desamparado who were gunned down by an unidentified suspect at Barangay Molocaboc, Sagay City, Negros Occidental. (Photo courtesy of Sagay City Police Station)

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Department of Education (DepEd)-Sagay City in Negros Occidental is calling for justice for the murder of a teacher and her husband in Barangay Molocaboc last week.

In a statement, DepEd-Sagay City Assistant Schools Division Superintendent officer-in-charge Arlene Bermejo, said that they are saddened by the deaths of Melanie Desamparado, 44, a teacher from Molocaboc Integrated School and her husband Ermelito, 46.

On June 18, Ermelito fetched Arlene at a wharf when the perpetrator waylaid them. The victims suffered fatal lone gunshot wounds in the head and abdomen, respectively.

“We express our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. We pray for the repose of their souls,” Bermejo said.

The DepEd official said justice must be served as he condemned the senseless and unforgivable act of violence that claimed their lives.

“While we wait for the speedy investigation of this case, we enjoin everyone to offer their sincerest words of encouragement, fervent prayers for comfort and healing and give any assistance to the family as they go through these difficult times,” Bermejo said.

“Let us continue to pray for one another and constantly look after the welfare of all our learners, teachers, and every DepEd personnel,” she added.

Meanwhile, Police Lieutenant Abundio Diaz, deputy police chief of Sagay City Police Station, said they already have persons of interest in the crime, but they could not still establish the motive.

Diaz said they already have a lead but refused to elaborate so as not to jeopardize the investigation.