MAYOR MAGALONG WARNS AGAINTS SPREADING PHOTOGRAPHS OF YOUNG WOMAN SLAY VICTIM

September 2, 2022 Headlines

BAGUIO CITY – Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong profusely urged a stop on sharing photographs of the 22 year old female slay victim found naked, gagged and a belt still tied on her neck inside a compound along Alfonso Tabora barangay here Tuesday morning. The pictures of the lady were in an undignified state and were shared by social media users and even by some of members of the local media.

But an outcry emerged against the sharing of the gory photographs calling it insensitive, prompting some to take then down from their social media pages. Later on identified by her twin sister from her body tattoo, Juliet Bajar Hesim of Balibago, Pampanga, was found naked, with both hands and mouth tied with duct tape and a belt around
her neck” “Our moral principles have taught us to have respect for the dead, to protect human dignity even in death so please stop this abominable act,” the mayor said on the irresponsible sharing of the victim’s photos.

Magalong vows that the city in cooperation with the Baguio City Police Office will exert effort to go after those who
will continue to spread such sensitive photos and charge them for violation of Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code.
Article 201 deals on “immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions” penalized with prison terms or a fine of up to P2,000. Baguio City police director Col. Glen Lonogan vowed to get into the bottom of the death of Hesim, while Cordillera police director BGen. Mafelino Bazar condemned “in the strongest terms all acts of violence and killings like this.”

Bazar order Lonogan to “leave no stone unturned” to shed light on this unfortunate incident so that justice will be served, as he appealed to “those who know about this unfortunate incident to come forward and cooperate with the investigators for the immediate resolution of the case.” Bazar like Magalong though considered the Hesim slay as “isolated” as there had been no similar cases reported in the region, but the former advised vigilance and the public to be mindful of their safety. Bazar has ordered all units of the Cordillera police to further intensify security measures through increased police visibility and frequent patrols.

Artemio A. Dumlao with reports JJ Landingan/ABN