LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A 40-year old engineer died while a 38-year old physical therapist was injured after they were allegedly stabbed and held up by two still unidentified male suspects along the trail of Mount Yangbew, Banig, Tawang, here Thursday afternoon.
Senior Superintendent Florante Camuyot, officer-in-charge of the Benguet Provincial Police Office, identified the fatality as Engr. Pam Banatin, 40, married, a resident of Calamba, Laguna while the he identified her wounded companion as Raquel Lorenzo Salinas, 38, married, Physical Therapist, native of San Pablo, Laguna a resident of No. 15 Richgate, Camp 7, Baguio City.
Initial police investigation showed the duo went to take a break at Mount Yangbew and passed by the two male suspects along the way.
When the two females were on their way back to the town proper, they again passed by the two male suspects on the same place.
At this juncture, the two suspects were reportedly teasing them but they continue to walk down the trail.
However, the suspects allegedly strangled them and announced the holdup.
At this juncture, one of the suspects stabbed Engr. Banten several times while the other suspect took time in taking the bag of the victims then stabbed Salinas before they immediately fled towards an undisclosed direction.
Responding police personnel immediately rushed the duo to the Benguet General Hospital (BeGH) for medical treatment but Engr. Banaten was declared dead on arrival by attending physicians.
The suspects were able to divest from the victims a bag containing two cellular phones, still undetermined amount of money and assorted identification cards.
Witnesses described the suspects to be as 5’4” to 5’6” in height, and 18 to 30 years old.
The case is still subject to further investigation in order to ensure the arrest of the suspects.
Engr. Banaten reportedly sustained seven stab wounds on the different parts of her body while Salinas was stabbed on his hands.
By Dexter A. See
