CALOOCAN CITY – Authorities in Caloocan City have launched an intensive search for two to three persons of interest (POIs) following the gruesome murder and dismemberment of a 37-year-old fast food crew member who was also a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The victim, identified as “Shalani,” had been missing since February 18 after informing relatives that they had somewhere to go. Days later, on February 21, neighbors in Phase 10, Barangay 176, North Caloocan, forced entry into a residence due to a strong foul odor emanating from the house. Inside, they discovered Shalani’s decomposing body wrapped in a mattress, with their legs severed—one of which was stored in an ice cooler. The victim also suffered multiple stab wounds on the back and had their throat slashed.

Police Captain Nelson Dizon, assistant chief of the Investigation and Detective Management Section of the North Caloocan Police, confirmed that the persons of interest are related to one another, including a tattoo artist who owned the house where the body was found. Investigators are currently working to locate their whereabouts.

“Continuous ang follow-up operation ng Caloocan Police para mahanap yung whereabouts ng persons of interest. May mga statement na naman tayo nakuha base doon sa statement ng relative ng suspek o person of interest,” Dizon stated.

Witnesses claim that the victim was last seen drinking with the tattoo artist before their disappearance. However, the nature of their relationship remains unclear.

Personal Interest as Possible Motive for Murder

Dizon also revealed that one angle being considered in the investigation is personal interest as a possible motive for the crime. Based on police findings, there is a possibility that someone Shalani met for a drinking session on February 18 might have knowledge of the crime, as they never returned home afterward. Authorities are currently preparing the necessary documents to file charges against the persons of interest should sufficient evidence be found.

The victim’s family, who resides in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, has denied any knowledge of a connection between Shalani and the tattoo artist. Shalani’s remains have now been laid to rest at their family home.

“Justice para sa ‘yo. Hindi makatarungan yung ginawa sa ‘yo, sana mahuli na at matunton kung saan nagtatago yun,” they said in a social media post.

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