MANILA -- The University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) has lauded a recent court decision convicting the suspect in the 2011 rape-slay of computer science student, Given Grace Cebanico.

Security guard Lester Ivan Rivera was recently found guilty beyond reasonable doubt by Judge Alberto Serrano of Regional Trial Court 92 in Calamba City.

Rivera was given three life imprisonment terms as a punishment for the said heinous crime.

In a post in the UPLB Facebook page, the university’s academic community expressed relief over the court’s decision and gratitude for everyone who helped solve the case.

In October 2011, Cebanico was found dead, her hands tied, mouth covered with masking tape, with a bullet wound on her forehead and bruises all over her body.

The same post also stated that “It [the crime] changed our long held and preconceived notions of security in the supposedly quiet and peaceful town of Los Baños.”

UPLB said it is strengthening security measures by installing additional CCTV monitors in strategic areas and by increasing security personnel visibility.