LGBTQ MEMBER BEATEN TO DEATH IN PAMPANGA B-DAY PARTY

By KEVIN GALANG

A MEMBER of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBT) community on Friday was mauled to death in a birthday party in  Sta. Ana, Pampanga.

The Pampanga police identified the victim as Jessie Samson, 43, of Bgy. San Nicolas, Sta Ana, Pampanga.

In a report to Police Regional Office 3 director Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr.,  seven suspects were arrested, including the alleged leader of the group identified as Baby Chriezaldy Hinlo.

Police said another LGBTQ member, who was also beaten by the suspects was identified as  Oliver Pangilinan, a resident of Bgy. Plaza Luma, in Arayat, Pampanga. 

Initial investigation showed that the victims were invited to a birthday party by one of the suspects. 

Few minutes later, the victims decided to buy more liquor for the party and upon returning, without apparent reason, the suspects punched and kicked the duo.

Pangilinan managed to escape and sought help from the Bantay Bayan of Bgy. San Nicolas, Sta. Ana, who immediately responded to the scene resulting in the arrest of the suspects. 

Samson was rushed to the HTC Laboratory Hospital in Bgy. San Juan by members of the Bantay Bayan but was declared  dead on arrival.

Charges for murder and physical injury were filed against the suspects who are now detained at the Sta. Ana police jail.