ABRA must be used to murders by now.
But the recent killing of a transgender high school teacher in Bangued, Abra on the morning of Tuesday caused a furor in the province.
Rudy Steward Sayen, 38, a teacher at Suyo National High School in Pidigan, Abra was on her way to work aboard her motorcycle when she was shot twice in Barangay Lipcan by the assailants who were tailing her while riding their own motorcycle.
Near the curve going to Barangay Sta. Rosa, the assailants bumped the victim’s motorcycle and the man at the back shot her.
A CCTV installed at the corner was able to record the shooting.
Estee, as Sayen was fondly known by friends and students, was shot at the back and behind her ear and died on the way to the hospital.
ProCor chiefPBGen Mafelino Bazar in a statement said: “We are saddened to know about the incident, such acts of violence have no place in our society, we condemn in the strongest terms the killing of the victim Mr. Sayen.”
Last Friday, the four suspects were finally apprehended. They were identified as Sonny Boy Gandeza Tullas, the motorcycle driver; Rommel “Ambong” Paa, the assailant; Aldrin Alagao, the lookout; and Abelardo Talape, said to be the middleman.
Tullas and Paa were arrested on the night of the shooting while Alagao and Talape were arrested on Friday.
Thousands commented about the incident in the FB pages where the murder was reported.
“We strongly condemn the brutal killing of LGBTIQA+ Abra, transgender woman and school nurse, Ms. Estee Saway,” said LGBTQIA+ Abra in the press statement.
“We demand swift investigation and justice for this killing of one of our members. Once again, it puts to light the prejudice, hatred and impunity that LGBTIQA+ face in their daily existence and struggles. We call on authorities to show its might against law breaking citizens who commit cold blood murder in a civilized society that promotes respect and dignity to human lives.”
