Boy, 11 strangled to death by cousin

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – An 11-year-old boy died after he was allegedly choked to death by his cousin, who is reportedly suffering from mental illness in Bago City, Negros Occidental Tuesday.

Police Major John Joel Batusbatusan, city police chief, said the victim, whose name was withheld, was playing with 28-year-old Juen Mark Bereño in a hammock when the latter allegedly strangled the victim using a rope.

Batusbatusan said Bereño brought the victim to his mother and told the latter that the child was unconscious after he got strangled alone in a hammock while he was playing.

However, based on the medical examination, the markings found on the victim’s neck was due to rope strangulation.

His neighbors alleged that he is ill after he chased his mother with a bladed weapon last week, but his family could not confirm it,” the city police chief said.

Police arrested Bereño at his house in pursuit operation. Batusbatusan said that the suspect had inconsistent statements during the investigation procedure.

He will be facing homicide charges in relation to violation of Republic Act 7610 or the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.”