NAGA CITY – The Naga City Police Office (NCPO) confirmed that the primary suspect in the murder of Dr. Rajean Monette Romualdez has been arrested.
According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Chester Pomar, NCPO spokesperson, the suspect was cornered and taken into custody by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Matnog, Sorsogon earlier today.
The suspect, identified as Raymart Martinez, the boyfriend of the victim and her former colleague at Bicol Medical Center (BMC), is considered the main suspect in the case. While full details of his arrest have yet to be disclosed, authorities assured that the investigation remains ongoing to ensure justice for Dr. Romualdez.
Dr. Romualdez was found dead inside her car on Princeton St., Monterey Village, Barangay Concepcion Pequeña, on Sunday, February 16. According to police reports, the 36-year-old obstetrician-gynecologist had suffered a gunshot wound to the head while reclining in the passenger seat. However, no spent shell casings or firearms were found at the scene, prompting further forensic examination.
CCTV footage revealed that a man was last seen with the victim in front of her apartment on Harvard Street, just a short distance from where her car was parked. The man, later identified as Raymart Martinez, quickly became the focus of the investigation.
An apartment caretaker disclosed that Dr. Romualdez had confided in his wife about personal matters, including her three-month pregnancy. He also mentioned that the suspect had exhibited jealousy and had previous arguments with the victim regarding their child. Authorities are currently verifying this information as part of their probe.
Despite the suspect’s arrest, the Naga City government is keeping the P200,000 reward offer for anyone who can provide additional information that could strengthen the case against the perpetrator.
Meanwhile, the Bicol Medical Center (BMC), where Dr. Romualdez served as the Chief Resident of the OB-GYNE Department, released an official statement expressing their grief over her tragic death:
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our former Department of OB-GYNE Chief Resident, Dr. Rajean Monnette Romualdez. 🕊️ She was a hardworking, compassionate, and kind leader whose dedication to both her patients and colleagues left a lasting impact. Her empathy, work ethic, and inspiring presence will be deeply missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Dr. Romualdez’s legacy of excellence and kindness will continue to inspire us all.”
Family, friends, and colleagues continue to call for justice, urging authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The public is encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement to help secure a conviction and provide closure to the victim’s loved ones. (Bicol Peryodiko NewsTeam)
