Area where the body of the slain girl was found. Photo from Batangas Police Provincial Office
MANILA, Philippines – At least five persons have been tagged by police as persons of interest (POIs) in the murder of an 11-year-old girl in Bauan, Batangas.
The Batangas Police Provincial Office (PPO) said this on Friday, came after the remains of victim Ma. Cristina Valerio was found in Barangay San Roque of Bauan on Christmas eve, December 24.
According to the police officials, the five POIs include the victim’s stepfather, two of their neighbors, the person who discovered the body, and a person who works near the area.
Three potential witnesses close to the victim were also identified, although their names were withheld to prevent any untoward incident.
Batangas police said they are also looking at rape as a possible motive for the crime, especially after they have recovered the victim’s underwear some 30 meters away from where they had found the victim.
Police said the recovered underwear has been turned over to the provincial police’s Crime Laboratory Office for possible semen analysis and DNA sampling.
As of Friday morning, Batangas police said they have interviewed witnesses and have gathered statements from them while looking for additional witnesses.