ShareThisQUEZON CITY – One of the 32 media people killed in the Maguindanao massacre, aside from being shot nine times, may also have been raped before she was killed.
This probability was pointed out by Dr. Dean Cabrera, medico-legal officer of the Philippine National Police (PNP) at resumption of the Maguindanao massacre trial.
Cabrera conducted an autopsy on 12 massacre victims, including journalist Leah Dalmacio who may have been sexually abused, according to Ces Drilon in an ABS-CBN News report.
Cabrera told the trial that she found traces of semen in the body and the panty liner of Dalmacio.
Leah was also shot nine times, two of them were fatal. Her ring finger was cut off, possibly by a bullet or a knife, ABS-CBN reported.
Cabrera also disclosed that another victim, Romeo Cabillo of UNTV, suffered 28 gunshot wounds, many of them to the chest.
Cabrera also showed pictures of UNTV cameraman Macmac Arriola, who was shot 12 times. Arriola was also hit by shrapnel.
According to Ces Drilon’s report, Cabrera disclosed that he also examined the body of Rahima Palawan, cousin of Maguindanao Governor Toto Mangudadatu, whose wife was among those who perished in the massacre.
The PNP officer said he obtained swabs from Palawan’s genitals and underwear on November 25, 2 days after the massacre. Palawan suffered four gunshot wounds, two of them fatal.
“I can conclude that there is definite evidence of sexual abuse or sexual intercourse,” he said.
Tests showed there was semen present in the samples, which, Cabrera said, shows direct evidence of sexual abuse or intercourse.
Cabrera had explained semen will remain in a woman’s genitals up to 72 hours or 3 days after intercourse.