ILOILO — Police confirmed that the seven-year-old girl found lifeless inside her home in Barangay Tampucao, Lambunao town was raped and strangled to death — a crime that has horrified residents and prompted authorities to intensify their hunt for the perpetrator.
Police Captain Jose Winston Biadog, chief of the Lambunao Municipal Police Station, said an autopsy conducted on the victim showed clear signs of sexual abuse and asphyxiation.
“This is now classified as rape with homicide,” je stressed.
The Grade 2 pupil was last seen on November 8 leaving her grandmother’s house to cross the street and return home.
Minutes later, her grandmother discovered her body inside a sack, naked from the waist down and with a ligature tightly wound around her neck.
6 persons of interest under investigation
Biadog disclosed that six individuals of interest — all adults and reportedly seen near the scene of the crime — have been identified and subjected to forensic swabbing.
“We are now comparing their DNA samples with evidence gathered from the victim and the area,” he said.
The swabs have been submitted to the regional crime laboratory for DNA testing, which police expect will be key to establishing the perpetrator’s identity.
Community in fear, police on high alert
The gruesome killing has left the quiet farming village of Tampucao in mourning and fear. Residents have called for swift justice and greater vigilance to prevent similar crimes.
“This is a heinous act that deeply affects our community,” Biadog said. “We are exhausting all possible leads to give justice to the victim and her family.”
Local authorities have also stepped up patrols and community watch efforts while urging the public to refrain from spreading speculation on social media that could compromise the investigation.
The Lambunao police are expected to file charges as soon as laboratory results confirm the identity of the suspect or suspects behind the brutal killing./PN
