Let our family’s wounds heal, Chiong asks rumormongers

JUSTIN K. VESTIL

July 16, 2018

THE wounds of the past continue to haunt Thelma Chiong 21 years after her two young
daughters were kidnapped, raped, and murdered.
The mother of Marijoy and Jacqueline Chiong said that while the trial of her daughters’
murder was finally concluded when the Supreme Court upheld the

conviction of Francisco “Paco” Larrañaga and the other suspects 14 years ago, some still
refuse to believe they were victims of a gruesome crime.

With the premier of the movie “Jacqueline Comes Home” on Wednesday, the public,
particularly netizens, have revived discussion on the celebrated murder case by showing
the documentary “Give up Tomorrow,” which tells Larrañaga’s side of the story.

Thelma said that when film director Carlo J. Caparas first approached her to get her
permission to make a film about her daughters, she didn’t give her

blessing as she feared her family would relive the painful experience.

She eventually relented after some citizens spread rumors that her daughter Jacqueline is
still alive. And the rumors just keep spreading.

Thelma said she was upset by social media comments regarding the case, including
reactions to claims made by the Larrañaga camp that her husband, Dionisio, was allegedly
involved in illegal drugs.

She believes the documentary produced by Marty Syjuco, who identified himself as a
relative of Larrañaga by marriage, was meant to create confusion among

those who are not familiar with the celebrated case.

“Many netizens who support the notion that there was a mistrial were born before the
Chiong case started or were too young.

I am saddened by this because it not only opens wounds on my part, but also on my family
who has suffered so much since this case started,” Chiong said in

Cebuano.

Chiong hopes the movie will clarify the rumors and false reports.
She believes the rumors, reinforced by social media, were peddled by Larrañaga’s camp,
who she claimed continue to use their resources and influence to

create confusion on the case.

Chiong said she and her family are planning to offer a mass at the Cebu Metropolitan
Cathedral for the 21st death anniversary of her daughters tomorrow.

A simple gathering for family members will be held after the mass, she said.