Missing girl, 7, found dead, in swamp; suspect nabbed

BASAY, NEGROS ORIENTAL, Philippines — A 7-year-old girl, who was earlier reported as missing, was found dead and believed to have been raped first, at a swamp in Basay town of Negros Oriental early morning of January 1.

Police said the older sister of the victim went to the police station and reported that her missing 7-year-old sister was found. Around 8 a.m. on New Year’s Day, the Basay Police responded and saw the dead body of the girl, whose identity was confirmed by her father.

The 19-year-old suspect, whose identity was still kept private by the police, was arrested and is now detained at the police station cell.

Investigation disclosed that the suspect was seen cuddling the victim on the act that he was giving gifts to the children including the victim around 11 p.m. on December 31. The suspect was last seen pulling the victim away going to the seashore.

Basay Municipal Health Officer Edalyn Dacula, conducted post mortem examination to the victim’s body and determine if she was raped. The police said the suspect could face charges of rape and murder.

Meanwhile in Bayawan City, a 48-year-old businesswoman died when a fire engulfed her store on New Year’s Day.

Police said body of the victim, identified as Arlene Pinanonang, was recovered at around 3 a.m. Sunday, hours after midnight struck to usher in the first day of year 2017.

Investigations showed that Arlene’s store was hit by fire caused by a wayward firecracker. The victim’s nephew, Axel Pinanonang, told police that he called the victim twice using his cellphone to alert her of the fire, but the victim did not answer. — (FREEMAN)