In Christine Dacera Death Case Two Respondents Allege Drug Issue Forced By Police: Report

The Christine Dacera murder case has seen several sharp turning points. On Thursday, two respondents who were suspected to be in connection with the death of the 23-year-old flight attendant alleged that they were threatened by the police.

Abigail Portugal, the counsel of five of the 11 suspects involved in the Dacera case, alleged that the Makati City police pressured John Pascual Dela Serna III, and Rommel Galido to tag someone in the use of illegal drugs during the New Year’s party in the hotel where Dacera was found dead.

The lawyer of the respondents alleged that the two suspects were interviewed in absence of a counsel and were made to read promises which mispresented that the two had to involve someone in connection with the use of drugs in the party, or else they will "rot in jail".

Also Read: Flight Attendant Christine Dacera Laid To Rest At General Santos City

“If you read the statements made by both my clients, you will see that they were not informed of their Miranda rights, which is very basic in the custodial investigation,” Portugal said.

However, Metro Manila police chief Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. said that the Makati City police chief had denied the allegations of pressuring the respondents. 

Dela Serna and Galido were previously arrested by the Makati City Police but were later released by the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office due to "lack of evidence."

Christine Angelica Dacera, a 23-year-old flight attendant working with Philippine Airlines (PAL). One of her colleagues identified as Rommel Galida has informed that he found Dacera asleep in the bathtub of the hotel room when he woke up around 10 am.  He further said that he wrapped Dacera in a blanket and went to sleep again but found her unconscious and turning blue a few hours later when he woke up again. Soon after, she was rushed to the hospital but doctors declared she was brought dead. Read about it more here. 

Also Read: Christine Angela Dacera’s Death Case: Three Suspects Freed Amid Cries For Justice