Missing Catbalogan 2-year-old found dead after 11 days
TACLOBAN CITY — A two-year-old girl who had been missing for 11 days was found dead in a remote mountainous area of Barangay Lobo, Catbalogan City on Sunday, Aug. 2, bringing a tragic end to an extensive search and prompting her mother to appeal for justice and for authorities to identify those responsible for her daughter’s death.
The child’s decomposing body was discovered around 2 p.m. A 47-year-old farmer tending her farm in the mountainous portion of Barangay Lobo discovered the body, police said.
According to the initial police investigation, the farmer noticed a foul odor coming from a nearby area and, upon checking, found what appeared to be the remains of a child.
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She immediately informed the mother of the missing girl and accompanied her to the site. Despite the advanced state of decomposition, the mother identified the body based on its size and other physical characteristics.
The child had been reported missing since July 24, when her mother had gone to Catbalogan City’s downtown area to collect her financial assistance as a beneficiary of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Their home in the mountainous village of Barangay Lobo is located more than five kilometers from the city proper.
The child’s disappearance triggered an 11-day search by her family, neighbors, and barangay officials, but the efforts ended in tragedy with the discovery of her remains.
At around 5 p.m. on Aug. 2, the Catbalogan City Police Station received a report from the barangay chairman regarding the discovery of the body. Considering the area’s remote location and difficult terrain, responding police officers coordinated with the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) and forensic personnel before proceeding to the site.
The SOCO/Forensic Team conducted scene processing and other forensic examinations as part of the investigation.
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Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause and circumstances of the child’s death.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing to establish whether foul play was involved and to identify any person who may be responsible.
The victim’s mother has appealed to law enforcement authorities to pursue the investigation thoroughly and ensure justice for her daughter.
She also urged anyone with information that could help identify those responsible for the child’s death to come forward and cooperate with investigators./coa
Missing 2-year-old found dead after 11 days; grieving mother seeks justice
By Joey A. Gabieta
TACLOBAN CITY — A two-year-old girl who had been missing for 11 days was found dead in a remote mountainous area of Barangay Lobo, Catbalogan City on Sunday, Aug. 2, bringing a tragic end to an extensive search and prompting her mother to appeal for justice and for authorities to identify those responsible for her daughter’s death.
The child’s decomposing body was discovered around 2 p.m. A 47-year-old farmer tending her farm in the mountainous portion of Barangay Lobo discovered the body, police said.
According to the initial police investigation, the farmer noticed a foul odor coming from a nearby area and, upon checking, found what appeared to be the remains of a child.
She immediately informed the mother of the missing girl and accompanied her to the site. Despite the advanced state of decomposition, the mother identified the body based on its size and other physical characteristics.
The child had been reported missing since July 24, when her mother had gone to Catbalogan City’s downtown area to collect her financial assistance as a beneficiary of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Their home in the mountainous village of Barangay Lobo is located more than five kilometers from the city proper.
The child’s disappearance triggered an 11-day search by her family, neighbors, and barangay officials, but the efforts ended in tragedy with the discovery of her remains.
At around 5 p.m. on Aug. 2, the Catbalogan City Police Station received a report from the barangay chairman regarding the discovery of the body. Considering the area’s remote location and difficult terrain, responding police officers coordinated with the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) and forensic personnel before proceeding to the site.
The SOCO/Forensic Team conducted scene processing and other forensic examinations as part of the investigation.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause and circumstances of the child’s death.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing to establish whether foul play was involved and to identify any person who may be responsible.
The victim’s mother has appealed to law enforcement authorities to pursue the investigation thoroughly and ensure justice for her daughter.
She also urged anyone with information that could help identify those responsible for the child’s death to come forward and cooperate with investigators. INQ
