8-year-old found dead in grassy area in Davao de Oro

An eight-year-old girl was found dead in a grassy portion of Maragusan, Davao de Oro.

According to a “24 Oras” report by Kent Abrigana of GMA Regional TV One Mindanao, the victim’s body was found in Purok 2 on Monday afternoon.

The victim reportedly left home after she was told that she would not join an aunt on a trip.

A day after she was reported missing, she was found with a wound on her face and neck. 

The victim’s mother sought help from the police when she did not come home. 

“May nakapagsabi na, allegedly, nakita ko yung taong yun diyan sa area. Tapos meron din nakapagsabi na dumaan din sila at buhay pa ang bata, at ang lalaki na suspek,” Police Major Ariel Pascual, Maragusan Municipal Police Station chief, said. 

(Someone told us that allegedly the suspect was seen in the area. The victim was also seen alive with the suspect.)

A charger and cigarettes from the crime scene which authorities suspected to have belonged to the suspect who was arrested at his residence in Purok Lansones in Magcagong town. 

“Pangarap niya talaga na makapagtapos ng pag-aaral. Kursonada talaga niya ang mag-aral. Pinutol niya…Wala siyang respeto,” the victim’s mother said. 

(My child dreams of finishing her studies. He took that away from her. He has no respect.)

Authorities said they are still investigating the case as they noted there are signs the young victim was raped. —Sundy Locus/NB, GMA Integrated News