MANILA, Philippines -- The Manila Police District (MPD) is looking into the involvement of three women who reportedly tried to sell a three-year-old boy found dead in a Quiapo creek last week.

Case investigator Alfredo Mabutol Jr. of the MPD-Homicide section said mendicants "Malou," her unidentified female live-in partner, and a certain "Barkley" were the last persons seen with Joselito Valle, the polio-stricken boy whose body was found at Estero de San Miguel.

Mabutol said the three were seen treating the victim to "lugaw" (rice gruel) on May 7. Based on a witness’ account, the officer said Malou allegedly planned to sell the child to Barkley.

A report by the MPD-Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) said the boy had a head injury, indicating he may have been struck with a rock before being thrown into the creek.

Valle's mother, Nora, and her live-in partner Joel, who were earlier tagged as possible suspects, have denied their involvement.