THE ATENEO de Naga University sought justice for its student who was killed last week.

Irish Mae Payonga, 18, who was reported missing on October 28, was found dead on Monday in a grassy area in Pili, Camarines Sur.

Payonga was a Grade 12 Senior High School student.

Her aunt Edna Maguigad said Payonga went on Friday to the Pili Capitol Convention Area to attend a big church event.

Residents found Payonga’s body covered with sacks of soil in Barangay Cadlan. Her denim jacket, black shirt, denim pants and white rubber shoes were found in the area.

“A few hours after the terrible news broke out, I had the chance to exchange messages and speak over the phone with Irish Mae’s mother, Ms. Elaine Maguigad Payonga,” AdNU President Fr. Roberto E. N. Rivera said in a statement.

“I assured her of the Ateneo community’s full support amidst this tragedy. When I asked her what we in the Ateneo can do to help, she simply stated in her text message that ‘we need prayers and justice for my daughter’,” Rivera added.

“And so too we join our voices to the growing chorus demanding justice for Irish Mae. Let us be inspired by the memory of Irish Mae to work tirelessly for all victims of violence and injustice, to ever proclaim till the end of our days, “Never again!”, he said.

The AdNU Supreme Student Government denounced the killing of Payonga.

“It is dismal and outrageous that such a horrendous and violent crime occurred. Until now, the suspect/s and the criminal intent are yet to be identified by the proper authorities,” the student body said.

“We also hope for a continuous progression of the investigative procedure to finally arrest the perpetrator,” it added.