Murder suspect captured at Negros Occidental after four-day manhunt
ILOILO CITY – After four days of hot pursuit operation, Rommel John Celestre, the suspect in the murder of Christine Gabayeron, a 38-year-old masseuse, was finally caught on Wednesday night, April 5, 2023, in Valladolid, Negros Occidental.
According to the Mandurriao PNP, Celestre immediately fled to Guimaras Island and then transferred to Bacolod City after committing the crime. Eventually, he sought refuge in Valladolid, where he was finally caught with the help of local authorities and his own family.
During a press conference, Lieutenant Colonel Albert Sy and Major Shella Mae Sangrines announced that Celestre had admitted to the crime and had been under the influence of alcohol and not under the illegal drugs at the time of the incident. However, Celestre will still undergo drug testing to confirm his use of illegal substances.
Sy added that Celestre had no prior criminal records in his barangay in Balabago, Jaro, and the motive for the murder remains unclear. According to the investigation, Celestre and Gabayeron went to a lodging house after a visit to their clinic. Celestre bought alcohol from a nearby store, and a witness confirmed seeing him with a bottle during the incident.
Gabayeron sustained multiple injuries, including bruises on her back, face, and a fatal head injury caused by a broken bottle. Celestre’s arrest was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the Mandurriao PNP and the Valladolid Municipal Police Station, along with his family’s cooperation.
Sy said that Celestre had expressed remorse and regret for his actions, which may have been one of the reasons for his surrender. However, the investigation is still ongoing, and more information may come to light in the coming days.
Celestre is now in police custody and will face charges for his crimes. Meanwhile, Gabayeron’s family continues to mourn her loss and seek justice for her tragic death.
