The woman found dead inside a refrigerator at an apartment in Rodriguez, Rizal, on Sept. 16 has been identified by her family, according to the Philippine National Police.
PNP Public Information Office Chief Col. Allen Rae Co said the victim’s father personally identified his daughter and presented her identification cards to authorities.
Police have also identified the victim’s boyfriend as a person of interest in the case.
The couple reportedly rented the apartment on Sept. 9, and the landlord saw them occupy the unit. The landlord tried contacting them on Sept. 10 and 11, but the woman, who was the landlord’s contact, no longer responded.
After several days, the landlord went to the apartment on Sept. 16 and noticed an unpleasant smell coming from inside the unit. The landlord then discovered the woman’s body.
Based on the investigation, authorities said the victim was allegedly strangled with a rope before her body was placed inside the refrigerator.
Co said the refrigerator may have been used to slow the decomposition of the body, but authorities are still investigating the circumstances.
The man and woman also reportedly faced serious illegal detention charges. The woman had already posted bail, while the man has a standing warrant of arrest.
Police continue to pursue the person of interest.
Meanwhile, money is among the possible motives being considered by investigators after the victim’s father said she had a large amount of money. Authorities did not disclose the amount.
The investigation remains ongoing.
