BACOLOD City – Authorities have intensified their investigation into the brutal killing of 17-year-old Freya Go, whose body was found hogtied and half-naked in a grassy vacant lot at the Reclamation Area, Barangay 12, on October 22.
Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), said they are coordinating closely with the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) through a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) formed to focus on the case.
An autopsy conducted by the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) revealed that the victim died of asphyxia by ligature and tested positive for sexual assault. Investigators also found multiple bruises and scratches, suggesting she was physically abused before being killed.
Police Captain Francis Depasucat, head of Police Station 1, said at least two suspects are being tracked down, with several persons of interest already identified based on information gathered. However, the investigation has been challenging due to the lack of closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera footage or eyewitnesses.
The victim, a trainee at a construction firm, was last seen alive on the afternoon of October 21 after leaving her boarding house to buy something. Her body was discovered the next day by a passerby.
Mayor Greg Gasataya condemned the crime as “heinous and despicable,” offering a P100,000 cash reward for anyone who can provide credible information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators.
“This act of cruelty demands swift and uncompromising justice. We will not allow such brutality to go unpunished in Bacolod,” the mayor said.
Gasataya also ordered the clearing of overgrown areas within BREDCO Port and nearby government-owned properties to improve security visibility.
PRO-NIR assured the public that police visibility and patrol operations have been heightened across Bacolod City and the rest of the Negros Island Region to prevent similar crimes.
Authorities continued to urge anyone with relevant information to coordinate with the BCPO to help bring justice to the victim and her family./PN
