A 13-year-old girl was found dead in a sugarcane field in Barangay Poblacion West, Candoni, Negros Occidental on Monday night, April 27.
The victim was identified as Grace.
According to the victim’s mother, identified as Ana, the girl was instructed by her grandfather on Sunday night, April 26, to buy ice from a nearby sari-sari store. However, the victim failed to return home, prompting her family to begin searching for her.
After nearly 24 hours, the victim’s body was discovered in a sugarcane field within the barangay. Authorities reported that the girl sustained a wound on her forehead.
Police immediately launched an investigation following the discovery of the body. Investigators are currently reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage in the area to determine who was last seen with the victim.
Police Captain Leonel Adolacion, chief of the Candoni Police, said authorities have already identified a person of interest in connection with the incident. However, further details about the individual were not disclosed as the investigation remains ongoing.
Adolacion said follow-up operations are continuing as investigators gather additional evidence and information that may help establish the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the cause of death, pending the results of the ongoing investigation.
Police urged residents to remain vigilant and to report any information that may assist in identifying those responsible for the incident.
