An 11-year-old girl was found dead in a river on Tuesday morning, June 10, in Alliance of Two Hearts, Basak, Mandaue City, Cebu.
The victim, identified as Erica, was supposed to enter Grade 5 this school year.
In an interview with Brigada News FM Cebu, Erica’s mother, Ruby, shared that her daughter may have suffered a seizure and accidentally fallen into the river. Ruby said Erica left home on Monday morning and did not return, prompting the family to search for her throughout the night.
By around 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Ruby continued the search and was later informed that a body was found in the river. She confirmed that it was her daughter.
Erica’s father, Eduardo, told Brigada that his daughter began experiencing seizures after staying up late using her cellphone. Since then, she would freeze and stiffen whenever startled by loud noises or sudden movements.
Erica’s older sister also shared that they had repeatedly warned her not to go out alone. Despite the reminders, Erica insisted on leaving by herself to collect garbage from neighbors as a way to earn money.
Authorities are investigating the case to confirm the family’s account of the incident.
