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Justice Sought For Miss Gay 2025 Winner Found Dead In Lipa City
Photo credit: TBST
LIPA CITY, Batangas — What began as an ordinary Saturday for residents of Barangay Tangway turned into a scene of tragedy when the lifeless body of 25-year-old Jericho Elliorante was discovered on a roadside near a chapel in Purok 3 at around 2:00 AM on August 9.
Jericho, a deaf-mute and the reigning Miss Gay 2025 of Barangay Sambat, Tanauan City, was found with 13 stab wounds across his body. The youngest of six siblings, he was described by his sister, Janine Elliorante, as “sobrang bait” and well-loved by everyone in their community.
“He was respectful and kind. Even though he was a PWD, he had good relationships with everyone,” Janine shared, expressing disbelief over the circumstances of his death.
CCTV Clues Lead to Arrest
According to PLTCol. Aleli Cuyan Buaquen, Officer-in-Charge of the Lipa City Police Station, investigators quickly reviewed nearby CCTV footage. Around 12:30 AM, a tricycle was seen passing the area. Moments later, a man appeared on camera peering into a narrow alley.
Shortly after, the same man approached the location where Jericho’s body was later found and took his wallet before walking toward a nearby house. With the help of local residents, authorities identified the suspect as “Alias Paul,” a 26-year-old restaurant cook who lived just a few meters from the crime scene.
Paul was arrested soon after and, during questioning, admitted to the killing. He claimed that the incident began when they were riding the same tricycle and that the victim allegedly touched him inappropriately. He said he then invited Jericho to his home, but once they alighted and the driver left, he repeatedly stabbed the victim.
However, Jericho’s family strongly disputes this account. “We don’t believe it. My brother would never make advances toward men—he actually hated that kind of behavior,” Janine insisted.
Troubled Background and Recovery of Evidence
Police recovered Jericho’s wallet, which the suspect admitted to throwing into a nearby thicket. It no longer contained any cash. Further investigation revealed that Paul had only recently been released from a rehabilitation facility in May 2025 after being deemed “unfit for treatment” due to his resistance to rehabilitation for illegal drug use.
A murder case has since been filed against the suspect before the Lipa City Prosecutor’s Office. He remains detained at the Lipa City Detention Center.
For Jericho’s grieving family, the fight is now for justice. “We just pray and leave it to God, but we hope justice will be served,” Janine said.
Jericho, a deaf-mute and the reigning Miss Gay 2025 of Barangay Sambat, Tanauan City, was found with 13 stab wounds across his body. The youngest of six siblings, he was described by his sister, Janine Elliorante, as “sobrang bait” and well-loved by everyone in their community.
“He was respectful and kind. Even though he was a PWD, he had good relationships with everyone,” Janine shared, expressing disbelief over the circumstances of his death.
CCTV Clues Lead to Arrest
According to PLTCol. Aleli Cuyan Buaquen, Officer-in-Charge of the Lipa City Police Station, investigators quickly reviewed nearby CCTV footage. Around 12:30 AM, a tricycle was seen passing the area. Moments later, a man appeared on camera peering into a narrow alley.
Shortly after, the same man approached the location where Jericho’s body was later found and took his wallet before walking toward a nearby house. With the help of local residents, authorities identified the suspect as “Alias Paul,” a 26-year-old restaurant cook who lived just a few meters from the crime scene.
Paul was arrested soon after and, during questioning, admitted to the killing. He claimed that the incident began when they were riding the same tricycle and that the victim allegedly touched him inappropriately. He said he then invited Jericho to his home, but once they alighted and the driver left, he repeatedly stabbed the victim.
However, Jericho’s family strongly disputes this account. “We don’t believe it. My brother would never make advances toward men—he actually hated that kind of behavior,” Janine insisted.
Troubled Background and Recovery of Evidence
Police recovered Jericho’s wallet, which the suspect admitted to throwing into a nearby thicket. It no longer contained any cash. Further investigation revealed that Paul had only recently been released from a rehabilitation facility in May 2025 after being deemed “unfit for treatment” due to his resistance to rehabilitation for illegal drug use.
A murder case has since been filed against the suspect before the Lipa City Prosecutor’s Office. He remains detained at the Lipa City Detention Center.
For Jericho’s grieving family, the fight is now for justice. “We just pray and leave it to God, but we hope justice will be served,” Janine said.
Aug 12, 2025
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