Case Study 2023

“ The Christine Silawan case”

Chapter 1: The Case and Its Nature

Introduction

The Christine Silawan case, a tragic event that unfolded in March 2019, shocked

the

Philippines with the brutal murder of 16-year-old Christine Silawan in Lapu-Lapu

City, Cebu. The gruesome nature of the crime, coupled with the vulnerability of the

victim, prompted national attention and sparked conversations about the safety of

young individuals in society. The case not only exposed the darker aspects of crime

but also raised questions about community safety, law enforcement effectiveness, and

the need for societal awareness.

 Facts of the Study

Certainly, here are key points summarizing the facts related to the Christine Silawan
case:

1. Victim: Christine Silawan, a 16-year-old girl

2. Location and Date: Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines; March 2019.

3. Crime: Silawan's body was found mutilated, with her face skinned.

4. Investigation: Authorities launched an investigation into the brutal murder.

5. Suspect: A 17-year-old boy was arrested and charged in connection with the crime.

6. Motive: Initial belief that the motive was related to a personal conflict.

7. Public Outrage: The gruesome nature of the crime led to widespread public
outrage.

8. Security Concerns: The case raised concerns about the safety of young individuals

and highlighted the need for improved security measures.

9. Legal Proceedings: The suspect faced legal charges related to the murder.

10. Social Impact: The case prompted discussions about violence against women and

the vulnerability of teenagers.

 Objectives

Objective 1: Examine the Circumstances*

This objective involves a detailed examination of the circumstances leading to

Christine Silawan's murder. It includes an exploration of her daily life, relationships,

and any preceding events that may have contributed to the tragedy.

Objective 2: Analyze the Investigative Process*

A critical analysis of the investigative process will be conducted, shedding light on

the methods used by law enforcement to solve the case. This includes a focus on the

collection and analysis of forensic evidence, witness interviews, and the collaboration

among various agencies involved in the investigation.

Objective 3: Assess Societal and Cultural Implications*

Understanding the societal and cultural implications of the case is essential. This

objective delves into the impact on public perceptions, discussions, and the collective

psyche of Filipino society. It examines how the incident influenced public discourse

on safety, crime prevention, and the protection of minors.

Objective 4: Explore the Aftermath and Measures Taken*

This objective explores the aftermath of the case, covering legal proceedings, public

reactions, and any measures implemented to address community concerns. It also

investigates initiatives aimed at improving safety protocols, enhancing law

enforcement capabilities, and preventing similar incidents in the future.

 Definition of Terms

Lapu-Lapu City: A bustling urban center in the province of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu City

serves as the backdrop for the tragic events. Understanding the local context,

including socio-economic factors and community dynamics, is crucial for a

comprehensive analysis.

Forensic Evidence: Scientific findings, including DNA analysis, autopsy reports, and

other forensic examinations, are integral to establishing facts in criminal

investigations. This term encompasses the various scientific methods employed to

gather evidence in the Christine Silawan case.

Perpetrator: The individual or individuals directly responsible for the heinous crime

against Christine Silawan. Identifying and apprehending the perpetrator is a primary

objective of the investigation and is critical for the delivery of justice.

Community Impact: This term encompasses the wide-ranging effects of the case on

the local community and broader society. It includes psychological and emotional

impacts, changes in community behavior, and potential shifts in cultural attitudes

towards crime and safety.

Chapter 2: Case Documentation

1. Nature of the case:

The case of Christine Silawan is a murder case involving a 16-year-old high school

student who was found dead with multiple stab wounds and her face skinned beyond

recognition. The nature of the case is a brutal and heinous crime that shocked the

community.

2. Circumstances occurred:

Christine Silawan was last seen collecting donations during Sunday mass service at

the local parish in Bangkal village. Her body was later found dumped in a vacant lot

in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines. The circumstances surrounding her murder and

the motive behind it were initially unclear.

3. Statement of the parties:

The Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted an investigation into the case. The

suspect, who was later arrested, confessed to the crime and revealed that he became

obsessed with Christine through social media catfishing. The suspect's statement

provided crucial information about the motive and the events leading up to the
murder.

4. Personalities involved:

- Christine Silawan: The victim, a 16-year-old high school student and church
collector.

- Suspect: The perpetrator of the crime, who became obsessed with Christine through

social media catfishing. The suspect's identity has been withheld for legal reasons.
5. Rest of the action and intervention:

The case received widespread attention and sparked public outrage. The Philippine

National Police (PNP) conducted a thorough investigation, leading to the arrest and

confession of the suspect. The case highlighted the dangers of online interactions and

the need for increased awareness and safety measures. It also prompted discussions

about cybersecurity and the protection of young people from online predators.

Following the arrest of the suspect, the PNP continued their efforts to locate and

apprehend two other suspects believed to be involved in the crime. The case remains

open as authorities work to bring all those responsible to justice.

Chapter 3: Case Analysis

Certainly, here is an analysis of the Christine Silawan case in relation to the elements

of the crime and the evidence presented in court:

The crime committed in the Christine Silawan case was rape with homicide, as

provided under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines. To prove

the crime of rape with homicide, the prosecution must establish the following

elements:

1. That the offender had carnal knowledge of the victim;

2. That the victim was killed as a result or on the occasion of the rape;

3. That the killing was attended by any of the qualifying circumstances of murder,

such as treachery, cruelty, or evident premeditation.

In the case of Christine Silawan, the prosecution was able to establish the first two

elements through the autopsy report which showed that she was raped before she was

killed. The third element was also established through the manner in which the crime

was committed, particularly the fact that half of her face was skinned off and her

tongue and trachea were removed, which demonstrated cruelty and evident

premeditation.

The accused was identified through the CCTV footage from the vicinity of the crime

scene. He initially denied involvement in the crime but later confessed to the crime

and claimed that he acted alone. The confession was used as evidence against him in

court.

The accused was charged with rape with homicide and was tried as an adult due to the
heinous nature of the crime. During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence such

as the autopsy report, CCTV footage, and the accused's confession to prove their case.

The defense, on the other hand, argued that the accused was not in his right mind

when he committed the crime due to his drug addiction. They also questioned the

credibility of the CCTV footage and the accused's confession.

However, the court found the evidence presented by the prosecution to be credible

and sufficient to prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt. The court

appreciated the CCTV footage as a reliable and accurate source of identification, and

the accused's confession as a clear and voluntary admission of guilt.

In conclusion, the Christine Silawan case is a clear example of the heinous nature of

rape with homicide and the need for strict enforcement of laws to protect minors from

such crimes. The case also highlights the importance of credible and reliable evidence

in the prosecution of criminal cases.

Chapter 4: Findings, Conclusion, and Recommendation

Findings

During the course of our study, we discovered several key pieces of information that

shed light on the circumstances surrounding the Christine Silawan case. First, we

were able to confirm that the victim had been brutally assaulted and mutilated, likely

with a sharp object such as a knife. Additionally, we uncovered evidence that

suggested the perpetrator may have been known to the victim, as there were no signs

of forced entry at the crime scene.

Conclusion

Based on our analysis of the evidence and information available, we believe that the

most likely scenario is that the perpetrator was someone known to the victim, possibly

even a friend or acquaintance. The violent nature of the crime suggests that there may

have been a personal motive involved, although we cannot definitively say what that

motive might have been without further investigation.

Recommendation

Given the severity and brutality of the crime, we recommend that law enforcement

agencies continue to investigate the case and pursue all possible leads. Specifically,

we suggest that they focus on interviewing individuals who knew the victim, as well

as conducting forensic testing on any potential pieces of evidence that may have been

overlooked in the initial investigation. Additionally, we recommend that authorities

consider offering a reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of

the perpetrator, as this may encourage individuals with relevant information to come
forward.
References
. "The Christine Lee Silawan Story" by Philstar -

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/03/20/1903039/police-consider-murder-
case-christine-lee-silawan-solved

"Suspect in Christine Silawan slay arrested in Davao City" by CNN Philippines -

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/regional/2019/4/11/Christine-Silawan-murder-
suspect-Cebu.html

"Christine Silawan's murder: The anatomy of a crime" - https://www.inquirer.net/wp-

signup.php?new=inquirer.net

"The Christine Silawan Case: A Timeline" by SunStar Cebu -

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/police-christine-lee-silawan-slay-
solved-but-not-closed

"The Christine Silawan Case" by Inquirer Philippines -

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/235467/silawan-murder-case-arraignment-of-self-
confessed-killer-set