‘Patunayan n’yong may hustisya’: Family lays slain working student to rest, demands justice

SAN JOSE, Batangas — Hundreds of mourners gathered to bid a heartbreaking farewell to 22-year-old working student and singer Charles Usi on Tuesday, as his family laid him to rest and vowed to fight for justice in the face of grief and fear.

From his family home in Barangay Lumil, San Jose, Batangas, Usi’s remains were brought to Saint Joseph the Patriarch Church for a final Mass and blessing before his final journey to the public cemetery.

The cemetery echoed with grief as family members, friends and loved ones gathered for one last glimpse of Charles — a young man whose dreams were cut short by a brutal killing.

For his cousin, Merwin Usi, Charles was more than family. He was a brother and a constant companion through life’s struggles.

“Kapatid na po ang turing niya sa akin, simula sa simula kami ang magkasama tapos ngayon wala na, ang laking pagbabago, hindi na namin alam ang gagawin,” Merwin said.

Despite her grief, Charles’ mother, Wilma, said she was trying to remain strong for her other children. But her biggest wish was for authorities to expedite the investigation and prosecution of her son’s killing.

At her son’s burial, Wilma vowed to pursue the case despite fears that those implicated in the crime may wield considerable influence.

“Ako po ay nangangamba rin po para sa amin lalo na doon sa isa ko anak na pumapasok po sa Westmead kaya gusto ko po humingi ng tulong sa nakatataas,” she said.

Wilma said she believes the testimony of a star witness pointing to the alleged mastermind behind the killing.

“Ako po ay naniniwala [sa] sinabi po ng star witness — ‘Yon po ay totoo kaya gusto ko po matamo ng aking anak ang katarungan,” she said.

“Hinihiling ko lang po na sana po ay may makatulong sa amin na umusad po yung kaso, mabigyan po ng hustisya ang pagkamatay,” she added.

Merwin also appealed to authorities to act swiftly, expressing frustration over what he described as the slow pace of the investigation.

“Mabagal ang proseso para mabigyan ng hustisya ang pinsan ko, napakabagal ng kapulisan dito sa amin. Kayo mga nasa itaas, patunayan nyong may hustisya pa sa Pilipinas gaya ng pinsan ko, bigyan sana siya ng hustisya,” he said.

Wilma also hopes her son will continue to guide the family as they seek justice and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

In a poignant tribute, the family brought Charles’ favorite guitar to his burial — the instrument that had accompanied him as he pursued his dreams as a musician.

The guitar, which bore bullet holes, was also the one he was carrying when he was gunned down.

With the instrument now serving as a painful reminder of his final moments, Wilma addressed her son one last time.

“Sa aking anak na si Charles, kung nasaan man po siya ngayon, sana po ay magkaroon siya ng katahimikan at sana po ay matulungan nya kami na makuha ang hustisya para po sa kaniyang pagkamatay,” she said.