A 17-year-old girl died after reportedly drowning in the sea Monday, Aug. 31, in Barangay Balud, San Fernando, Cebu.
The victim was identified by the alias Marie, a Grade 10 student.
Based on the initial investigation, Marie’s father, identified as Rodie, said he last saw his daughter at about 8:30 a.m. at their home while she was eating breakfast.
Afterward, Marie reportedly went upstairs to their room. Her family later discovered that she had left the house, although they did not notice when she went out.
However, Rodie told local media that he was not convinced there was no foul play involved in his daughter’s death.
According to the father, he noticed bruising on the victim’s side and what appeared to be hand marks on her neck.
Because of these observations, the family is considering the possibility that Marie may have been hurt and possibly sexually assaulted before she was allegedly deliberately drowned.
The family’s concerns have prompted questions about the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death.
Police are continuing their investigation into the incident.
Authorities have not yet established whether foul play was involved in the death. The initial information remains subject to the ongoing police investigation.
