Slain teen died of strangulation, sexual assault confirmed – PNP

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — A 17-year-old girl who was found hogtied and lifeless in a grassy vacant lot in Barangay 12 on Oct. 22 died of asphyxia by ligature and tested positive for sexual assault, according to Police Capt. Francis Depasucat, head of Police Station 1.

Depasucat said that based on the autopsy report released on Oct. 24, the victim was strangled and semen was found in her body, along with visible scratches and bruises indicating physical abuse.

He said investigators are looking for at least two suspects and already have persons of interest and leads based on the information gathered.

However, he described the case as challenging because no closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage or witnesses have been found to aid in the investigation.

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has formed a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to focus on the case, and Depasucat believes the victim may have known her assailants.

Depasucat said the victim’s parents have been cooperative in the investigation.

Her mother last saw her two weeks ago during a visit, while her father also regularly visited her at her boarding house in Barangay 12.

The victim, a trainee at a construction firm, was found dead a day after she left her boarding house on the afternoon of Oct. 21 to buy something.

Her body was discovered by a passerby with her lower garment pulled down.

Mayor Greg Gasataya has offered a PHP 100,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.

Authorities are urging anyone with knowledge about the crime to come forward to help bring justice to the victim.

Gasataya said the BCPO has requested CCTV recordings from nearby areas to help expedite the investigation and called on establishments to cooperate with law enforcement.

He also sent a letter to the management of Bredco Port requesting the clearing of overgrown grass in their properties, while the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) has been instructed to conduct a cleanup drive in government-owned properties in the area.

Gasataya commended the BCPO for increasing police visibility following the incident.