Lucila Lalu's story began in Mapanique, Candaba, Pampanga. In 1961, she left Manila to look for work. After obtaining a police clearance, she started working as a waitress in a bar. There, she met Aniano Vera, a married police officer. He became her live-in partner, and they had a child.
But she wasn't just a girlfriend — Lucila was hardworking and strategic. With her savings, she opened several businesses: a cocktail lounge, the Pagoda Soda Fountain, and a beauty salon called Lucy's House of Beauty in Sta. Cruz, Manila. At the age of 28, he is independent and successful. He also has a young girlfriend, Florante Relos, 19 years old, whom he supports.
On May 28, 1967, everything changed. The next day, the dismembered body of a woman was found in various places in Manila. A foot cut into pieces and wrapped in a newspaper dated May 14 was found in Sta. Cruz. A few days later, a body without a head and feet was discovered in a vacant lot near the Guadalupe Bridge. Using her fingerprint from the police clearance, it was confirmed that the victim was Lucila Lalu.
First, Florante Relos was arrested, but he had a strong alibi. Aniano Vera was next suspected, but there was also not enough evidence. Jose Luis Santiano, a dental student who was renting the same building as Lucila's beauty salon, arrived on the scene. On June 15, 1967, he voluntarily surrendered and confessed to the crime. But just a few days later, he retracted his confession, saying that he had been pressured by the police. Even so, according to investigators, he knew details that only the real culprit would know.
The case never reached trial. As time passed, the truth became more and more obscure. No one was ever officially convicted. To this day, the murder of Lucila Lalu remains an unsolved case. Her head has still not been found. Many have been investigated — including her two boyfriends, Santiano, and an unnamed businessman — but no one has been found guilty.
Her tragedy has inspired many films and stories. But more than just news, Lucila is a mother, a businesswoman, and a victim of a crime that continues to haunt Philippine history — a story of love, trust, and betrayal.