January 15, 2026 - A tragic case of domestic violence has shocked Pasig City after a 24-year-old woman was repeatedly assaulted by her live-in partner in the parking lot of their office in Ortigas Center. The victim, identified as Ella Mae Marces, a tele-collector, succumbed to her injuries two days later despite being rushed to the hospital.

According to her relatives, Nanay Doris Silleza and Jacquiline Cacdac, Ella was mercilessly beaten by her partner and co-worker, Ian Christian Ver Valderama, on December 29, 2025, following their company’s year-end party. CCTV footage captured the horrifying attack, showing Christian pushing, kicking, and pulling Ella’s hair before slamming her head against his motorcycle and leaving her unconscious on the ground. Ella was hospitalized but passed away on December 31.

Pasig City Police investigator PSSG Jomar Banaag confirmed that Ella managed to report the incident to authorities before losing consciousness. “Isinalaysay umano ni Ella na galing sila ni Christian sa year-end party ng kanilang opisina at pauwi na sana sila nang magalit ang suspek matapos magpaalam si Ella sa kanyang mga katrabaho at isa dito ay ang lalaking pinagselosan daw nito,” Banaag said, noting that jealousy is being considered as the primary motive.

A co-worker, identified only as “Allan,” told Raffy Tulfo in Action that he saw Ella crying in the parking lot after the assault. When asked who hurt her, Ella reportedly named Christian as the attacker. Since the incident, Christian has not returned to work and remains at large.

On January 6, police filed a murder case against Christian at the Pasig City Prosecutor’s Office, and authorities are awaiting the release of a warrant of arrest. Meanwhile, Senator Raffy Tulfo personally called Banaag to monitor the progress of the investigation and vowed to help Ella’s family seek justice. Tulfo also tapped his son, Quezon City District 2 Representative Ralph Tulfo, to assist the victim’s family, who reside in Commonwealth. Ralph pledged to cover the funeral expenses and provide livelihood support so the family can start a small business.

Senator Tulfo assured the family that he will continue to extend assistance, especially since Ella was the breadwinner. He promised to closely follow the case until the suspect is arrested and held accountable.

This case has sparked outrage online, with netizens demanding swift justice for Ella and stronger measures against domestic violence. Authorities urge the public to report similar incidents immediately to prevent further tragedies.

Image from Raffy Tulfo Facebook

Domestic Violence in Public, Why Did No One Stop It?

A woman was beaten to death in a workplace parking lot. Not in secret. Not behind closed doors. In a space meant to be safe, visible, ordinary. CCTV recorded every blow. Co-workers saw her crying. She even managed to report the assault before she lost consciousness. Still, Ella Mae Marces died days later.

This was not a private dispute. It was public violence unfolding in real time, yet intervention came too late. That failure cuts deeper than one relationship. It exposes how abuse against women can happen openly while systems hesitate, bystanders freeze, and accountability stalls.

Workplaces talk about safety. Cities talk about protection. Police talk about cases after the fact. None of that stopped the beating when it mattered most.

If violence can happen this brazenly in a crowded business district, what does that say about how seriously we protect women when danger is right in front of us?