Updates on doctor’s murder case: Prosecution office evaluates pieces of evidence

By Paulo DS Papa

THE suspect behind the murder of Dr. Rajean Monnette Romualdez will not be brought behind bars as he surrendered last week. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) granted his request to remain under their custody.

NBI Senior Agent Robert Joey Ajero said that Raymart Martinez, now the primary suspect in the case, may leave the bureau's premises since no arrest warrant has been issued against him. He voluntarily surrendered on Wednesday, February 20, in Matnog, Sorsogon, as a person of interest.

Ajero added that Martinez sought refuge with the NBI and was unwilling to leave their custody, fearing for his safety while the case is under evaluation by the City Prosecution Office.

On Friday, February 22, the Philippine National Police (PNP), led by Police Col. Erwin Rebellon, and the NBI submitted several documents to the said office, recommending the filing of a murder case against Martinez.

When asked about the evidence, Ajero said that there is already sufficient proof of the suspect's involvement in the case.

The filing of a murder case against Martinez will now depend on the results of the evaluation.

Martinez, a 34-year-old businessman from Barangay Concepcion Pequeña, Naga City, was the victim's lover. He went missing days after Romualdez's lifeless body was found inside a Toyota Vios along Princeton Street, Monterey Village, on Sunday, February 16.

Based on CCTV footage, Martinez was the last person seen with the doctor at least a day before her death.

The motive for the crime has yet to be established, as Martinez has refused to discuss the events leading up to Romualdez’s death.

Martinez has said that he will disclose the sequence of events only to his lawyer, whom he has not identified.