The Philippine National Police (PNP) has arrested a suspect in the robbery-homicide case of a De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) student. The victim, 22-year-old nursing student Aika Melendez, was found dead in her condo unit on September 21, with her hands and feet tied and her mouth gagged. The suspect, identified as Mark Joseph Ventura, was arrested on October 24 in Tondo, Manila. He allegedly admitted to the crime during questioning.
According to reports, Ventura was a former co-worker of the victim and had been fired from her office for allegedly stealing from her. Investigators discovered that Ventura was in debt at the time of the crime and had been planning to rob Melendez of her valuables. He allegedly gained entry to her condo using a duplicate key and later killed her when she resisted. Melendez was found with multiple stab wounds and her laptop, phone, and cash were missing from her unit.
The arrest of Ventura was announced by PNP Chief General Debold Sinas, who commended the police for their swift action in solving the case. He also urged the public to trust the police and to report any suspicious activity in their communities.
The news of the arrest has been welcomed by the DLSU-D community, who had been waiting for justice for Melendez. The university released a statement expressing their gratitude to the PNP and the investigating team for their efforts in resolving the case. The statement also reminded students to be vigilant and to observe safety protocols in their daily lives.
Melendez’s death had sparked outrage among students and netizens, with many expressing their condolences and demanding justice for her. A petition was also circulated online, calling for the university to improve its security measures and to provide counseling and support for students affected by the incident.
The case has also raised concerns about the safety of students living off-campus, particularly those renting condos or apartments in the area. The university has since issued guidelines for students living off-campus, including background checks on landlords and checking for security features such as CCTVs and guards.
The arrest of Ventura highlights the importance of cooperation between the police and the community in solving crimes. It also serves as a reminder for individuals to be responsible and accountable for their actions and to seek help if they are in financial or personal distress.
The PNP has vowed to continue its efforts in ensuring the safety of the public and to pursue justice for victims of crimes. The successful resolution of the DLSU-D case is a testament to their commitment to this goal.
