Four individuals were arrested in the killing of a transgender teacher in Abra in the morning of Sept. 28.
Abra Police Provincial Office Director Col. Maly Cula said the four suspects, whose names were withheld pending investigation, will face murder charges in connection with the killing of 38-year-old Rudy Sayen, a teacher at Suyo National High School in Pidigan, Abra.
Sayen, a transgender woman and known as Estee by her friends, was on her way to her workplace onboard a motorcycle when she was tailed by the suspects also onboard a motorcycle.
She was nearing the curve towards Barangay Sta. Rosa, Bangued when one of the riding-in-tandem suspects hit her motorcycle, while the other shot her at the back and left neck.
Sayen was brought to the Abra Provincial Hospital by personnel of 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company but was later pronounced dead by the attending physician due to gunshot wounds.
Hot pursuit operation ensued resulting in the arrest of four male suspects, who are residents of Tayum town.
The LGBTQIA+ community has condemned the killing of Sayen, who is also the school nurse, stating the victim was a dedicated public educator and an inspiration to her students.
“Our deepest condolences go to the family of our fallen trans sister Estee and finally, we call on authorities especially the Philippine National Police to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice,” LGBT Pilipinas stated.
The group said it will monitor the case.
Abra PPO Information Officer Cpt. Ricky Bugnay said invetigators have yet to establish the motive of the killing but investigation is ongoing, especially with the arrest of the four suspects. – Ofelia C. Empian
April 17, 2024
