Talisay cops now have ‘person of interest’ in girl’s murder

CEBU, Philippines —  The Talisay City police now have one person-of-interest (POI) who is possibly part of the killing of the 10-year-old girl who was found dead in a cave in Talisay City.

Police Lt. Colonel Randy Caballes, chief of Talisay City Police Station, determined the said POI based on the statement of the witnesses they gathered.

"Ato ng na interview kato tanang tawo nga naligo apil mga bata sa area, then naa natay nakuha nga person of interest, then nag-gather nalang ta og additional witnesses," said Caballes.

According to Caballes, this POI was seen in the area where the victim was also retrieved.

As of yesterday, Caballes said they are still awaiting the autopsy result, however, added that it's already done.

Previously, Caballes said they are pursuing a total of four possible suspects who could be behind the murder basing upon the statements of other witnesses.

"Kining POI, amo pa ni gi-sure kung naa ba ni siya’y accomplice or kauban but as of now based sa available nga statement sa witness usa pa ang natumbok," said Caballes.

Caballes, however, refused to divulge the detail and identity of this POI pending investigation. He added this POI could be still in the city as of this writing.

Previously, the local government unit, through the announcement of Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr., will be giving a P100,000 rewards for those who can give information about the suspects.

With this, Caballes said they are hopeful that more witnesses will come forward to give them vital information about the incident.

"Hoping nga naa untay makahatag og information..kay dako kaayo ni siyag tabang, maayo unta daghan ang mo- cooperate," said Caballes.

Last Sunday afternoon, the body of a 10-year-old girl was found in a cave covered with rocks in Sitio Napo, Barangay Tapul, Talisay City after having been reported “missing” for three days since January 6, 2022.

As to the allegations that the victim could have been raped, Caballes said the autopsy is ongoing to determine if this is true.

"Naghuwat pa ta sa result kay sa pagkakaron, dili pa ta makaingon nga gi-rape gyud ni siya, gahulat pa ta sa resulta sa autopsy," said Caballes.

When the body was retrieved from the cave, Caballes said the victim still had her clothes on. He added there is no visible wound on her body as she was already in the state of decomposition when she was found.

With this, Caballes said there is a possibility that she was already murdered three days ago when she was declared missing. — GMR (FREEMAN)