MANILA, Philippines — A 10-year old girl who was reported missing was found dead inside a cave in Talisay City, Cebu, said the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday.
According to the PNP, the victim was first reported missing by her family, after she asked permission to swim in the river but never came home.
Three days later on January 9, authorities received a call from a concerned citizen about a foul smell inside a cave. It was then that her decomposing body was found in the cave covered with a pile of rocks.
Rescuers extracted the body of the victim before it was identified by her family.
According to the victim’s family, they believe that she was abducted and raped by a group of individuals whom they saw along the river during the last moments of the girl.
“A complete forensic investigation is underway to assist Talisay City Police in the investigation, including post mortem investigation to determine if indeed the victim was sexually abused,” PNP Chief PGen. Dionardo Carlos said in a statement.
Investigators are also getting the accounts from witnesses to identify possible persons of interest.