Cebu City council seeks thorough probe on young man’s death

Local

THE Cebu City Council is calling for a thorough investigation into the killing of 24-year-old Isaac Virgil Viernes, whose remains were discovered in a vacant lot in Barangay Pahina Central after he went missing on Oct. 7.

Councilor Paul Labra, chairman of the Committee on Public Order and Safety, urged the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) to pursue every credible lead, examine available evidence, and establish the circumstances surrounding Viernes’ disappearance and death.

In a privilege speech on Tuesday, Oct. 20, Labra said the case demands urgency and diligence from investigators, stressing that those responsible must be held accountable if identified and supported by sufficient evidence.

“I echo the call of Mayor Nestor Archival for a swift and thorough investigation and for those responsible to be brought to justice,” Labra said.

The council approved his motion to forward copies of the privilege speech to the CCPO and the Office of the City Mayor for their information and appropriate action.

Labra also appealed to anyone who may have seen Viernes during the early hours of Oct. 7 or in the days that followed, or who may have information relevant to the case, to coordinate with authorities.

“Even a small detail, something that may seem insignificant to you, could prove crucial to establish that truth,” he said.

He cautioned the public against spreading unverified information or circulating material that could cause further distress to the victim’s family or compromise the investigation.

Viernes’ skeletal remains were discovered on Monday afternoon, Oct. 19, at a vacant lot in the former One Citilink Terminal in Barangay Pahina Central.

His mother, Jenny Viernes, identified the remains through the clothing he was wearing and a gap in his teeth, according to earlier reports.

She last saw her son in the early hours of Oct. 7, after he had spent the night selling sisig. He left their home in Barangay Basak Pardo without telling his family where he was going.

His family initially thought he might have gone to his live-in partner’s home in Barangay Labangon. When his partner said he had not arrived, the family began searching for him and reported his disappearance to police.

A tip received on Oct. 18 led the family to seek authorities’ assistance in checking the vacant lot.

Councilor Dave Tumulak earlier said responding personnel recovered bones and other items that could serve as evidence after digging at the site.

He also described materials found at the location that suggested the remains had been covered with cement.

The circumstances surrounding Viernes’ death, including the motive, remain unclear. Police are continuing their investigation.

Labra, a former member of the Philippine National Police, said the case highlights the need to strengthen public safety measures and coordination between barangays and law enforcement agencies.

He said peace and order should not be measured by crime statistics alone, but also by whether residents feel safe in their homes and communities.

“What makes this case particularly troubling is not only the reported brutality that it involved, but the fact this happened here in our own city, the very city we are entrusted to serve and protect,” Labra said.

He urged residents to report suspicious activities while remaining vigilant and avoiding speculation that could interfere with the investigation.(MyTVCebu)