Slain Silay child laid to rest, mayor seeks witnesses

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A 9-year-old girl who was killed in an attack at their home in Barangay E. Lopez, Silay City, Negros Occidental, on Feb. 7 was laid to rest Sunday.

The child’s mother, Ronelyn, became emotional as she sought justice for her daughter’s death during the interment at the Silay Public Cemetery.

Mayor Joedith Gallego, who attended the burial, again urged witnesses to come forward to help authorities identify the perpetrator, put him behind bars, and give justice to the victims.

“Come forward. Do not be afraid,” the mayor said in a radio interview.

Police said the child, her 14-year-old sister, and her 4-year-old brother were alone at home when an unidentified person attacked them, hitting their heads with a stone.

Authorities said the attack was discovered the morning of Feb. 7 when the children’s father returned home from work in Bacolod City.

Ronelyn was repatriated from Saudi Arabia on Feb. 8, where she had been working as an overseas Filipino worker.

A reward of PHP 100,000 has been offered for information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect.

Police said they already have persons of interest but stressed that statements from the two survivors are vital to the investigation.