“Yes, a woman. We were on the fields yesterday, when around lunch time a woman came running into our field shouting. She was wounded all over her body and was hysterical. She seemed to be running away from someone or something.” Continued the man.
“Shouting? Running away? What was she shouting? Were you able to identify the person chasing her?” PO3 Periya could no longer wait and asked the man a series of questions.
“She…she was shouting that “monsters are coming”. After that, when one of us reached her, she fainted. We tried to look for what or who was chasing her, but we found no one.” The man explained.
“So how come that this woman caused Isagani to ask you all to leave?” SPO4 Lamitan asked further. This time his brows furrowed, as if he was thinking of something, trying to make a sense out of all these strange events.
“Well, once the woman woke up, Gani tried to ask her about her situation. To this, she became hysterical again and said that “they are all dead”. At that time, we did not know where she came from, and we suspected that she was a victim of rape. But considering what happened to New Iloilo, and now to Dumadalig, I think she was from the former, and was supposed to be one of the escapees.” The man patiently explained.
“And after Isagani heard her statements, he told all of you to leave Dumadalig?” Like seeing a new method of solving a puzzle, SPO4 Lamitan’s eyes showed a brief gleam of hope.
“Yes. In fact, he told us to also tell everyone in the barangay to leave. However, not everyone believed Gani’s words as they were afterall, according to Gani himself, are just hunches.” Answered the man.
“If it was only his hunch, why did you still leave?” PO3 Periya was skeptical. Based on what was said so far, there is no logical explanation as to why they would believe a hunch of an old man, especially if there was no evidence at all.
“Most of us here right now are also present during that time when he killed that monster.” Empoy’s father finally joined in the conversation.
When both PO3 Periya and SPO4 Lamitan heard the reason, their pupils constricted into slits, and their breathing quickened. Even now, they still cannot forget that day when the old man gave them that hideous head which sent shivers down their spines. Even after they submitted it to the forensics, they still cannot forget how that head, even though dead, still looked like it was going to attack them.
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“I see, and those that did not leave were not present at that time, correct?” Trying to look calm, SPO4 Lamitan asked the people, however, his wobbly tone betrayed his calm façade, even his hand was shaking a bit.
“Yes. We tried to tell the whole barangay, but aside from us, none really listened.”Empoy’s father explained.
“So where is this ‘Gani’ now? If you listened, why is he not here with you? Also, the barangay did not report about a wounded girl being brought to the center.” Speaking up here, the senior officer’s eyes sharpened.
“We-we do not know sir. When Gani told us yesterday to leave Dumadalig, he also told us to bring the girl to the barangay health center. That was the last time we saw her.” One of the men hastily replied, seemingly afraid to be accused of something which he did not commit.
As SPO4 Lamitan was about to continue asking, PO3 Periya’s radio buzzed and a voice was heard.
“Sir, we have recovered three bodies from the barangay health center. From the leftover clothes of the two victims, it appears that they were the doctor and nurse of the center, and the other body should be a patient.” Said the voice from the other line.
“Hmm. Good job, do try to collect as much information on other sites as well. Have the forensics team go there to collect whatever information we can.” Ordered SPO4 Lamitan.
“Does anyone here know where Isagani lives?” After pondering for a while, SPO4 Lamitan finally decided to go to Lumawig's house.
“We can bring you there.” Volunteered Empoy’s father. At this time, Empoy, who has been quiet all this time revealed a look of worry. It was only natural that he would be worried about the safety of his close friend.
“Very well, please escort me to their house. However, as this place has already been cordoned by the police, I cannot allow everyone to enter. Also, all minors are not allowed to enter this area anymore.” When the senior officer said the last part of his sentence, he looked at Empoy with a stern look. Empoy could only lower his head and acquiesce; he knows that it will be very bad for him should he insist on accompanying his father.
“Periya, go get some men and have them assist these people.” SPO4 Lamitan continued. “Apologies, but we could not allow you all to enter the premises. The whole barangay is a crime scene; however, my men will try to assist you as much as possible, however, we will need to know your new address should a need for any of you arise. if you have nothing else to do here, please leave the area immediately.” After finishing his sentence, SPO4 turned around and walked inside the cordoned area, Empoy’s father quickly followed.