MLANG, NORTH COTABATO —Emotions were high as thousands cried when they buried on Monday the cadavers of Crizzle Gwenn and Crizville Louise Maguad in a private cemetery in barangay Tawan-Tawan here.
Cruz and Lovella Maguad lost Crizzle, 18, and Crizville, 16, in the hands of their 16-year-old working student, Kristine, a minor, on December 10, 2021.
The couple was on top of their emotion as they touched the cold bodies of their children when the caskets were opened during the couple’s final viewing.
River of tears fell, as the father called her daughter “Ate Gwen, Ate Gwen,” while touching her coffin.
Mrs. Maguad, kissed the glass with her fist grip tight.
“They were warm, loving, and God-fearing children, now they are gone,” Lovella repeatedly told Newsline.
A Holy Mass was offered at the Sta. Theresa de Jesus Parish before the burial.
In her message during the necrological service, Mrs. Lovella Maguad appealed to the parents of the prime suspect “Please help us, we want justice.”
“Hindi po natin i-under estimate ang mga kabataan under 16, because they have the manipulative skills and the power, to destroy our children, good children, sa family a nang mga suspects, please tulungan nyo kami na makamit ang hustiya sa ikatatahimik nang aming mga anak at sa ikatatahimik din namin,” she said.
The couple wants justice but Kristine, the prime suspect is clothed with Republic Act 9344, which states that minors cannot be charged in court and they cannot be considered criminals but rather be called Children in Conflict with the law and must be protected.
Section 5 (D) of the same law stipulates the minor suspect has ” (d) the right to be treated with humanity and respect, for the inherent dignity of the person, and in a manner which takes into account the needs of a person of his/her age. In particular, a child deprived of liberty shall be separated from adult offenders at all times. No child shall be detained together with adult offenders. He/She shall be conveyed separately to or from the court. He/She shall await hearing of his/her own case in a separate holding area. A child in conflict with the law shall have the right to maintain contact with his/her family through correspondence and visits, save in exceptional circumstances.”
Under the law, it says SEC. 7. Determination of Age. – The child in conflict with the law shall enjoy the presumption of the minority. He/She shall enjoy all the rights of a child in conflict with the law until he/she is proven to be eighteen (18) years old or older. The age of a child may be determined from the child’s birth certificate, baptismal certificate, or any other pertinent documents. In the absence of these documents, age may be based on information from the child himself/herself, testimonies of other persons, the physical appearance of the child, and other relevant evidence. In case of doubt as to the age of the child, it shall be resolved in his/her favor.”
Despite her admission of the Crime, still, Kristine is covered by the law and she is protected. A thing which added injury to the wounded couple
The Maguad siblings were killed inside their residence in Purok San Isidro, Barangay Bagontapay last December 10.
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In her extra-judicial confession with her lawyers, Kristine admitted to killing the victims with an accomplice who is still being haunted by police authorities.
The cold-blooded murder was condemned by the community and the netizens.
The Maguad couple is asking the authorities to help them is seeking justice.-Editha Z. Caduaya
