14-Year-Old Accused in Nephew’s Killing

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY—Authorities are investigating the motive of a 14-year-old boy who allegedly killed his eight-year-old nephew in Barangay Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, last week.

Police Major Jun Ray Batadlan, chief of the Binalbagan police, said evidence pointed to the teenager as the suspect. He was reportedly the last person seen with the victim on the morning of Nov. 19, before the child went missing.

The suspect allegedly admitted to the crime, but Batadlan said he did not provide a clear motive.

Police said the suspect used a bolo to hack the victim, though specific details of the attack were not disclosed.

The victim left home for school on the morning of Nov. 19. Four days later, his decomposing body was discovered in a sugarcane field at Sitio Omot, Barangay Santol, by a barangay watchman on Nov. 23.

Investigators returned to the crime scene, suspecting foul play, and conducted further inquiries. All persons of interest were brought in for questioning, which eventually led to the recovery of the murder weapon from the suspect’s home.

Batadlan acknowledged the challenges in divulging details of the case, as it involves minors.

The suspect is currently in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).