Stepfather charged with rape in Bacolod teen’s death

BACOLOD CITY — Authorities have filed a rape case against the stepfather of a 15-year-old girl whose body was found in a sugarcane field in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, last month.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Bacolod District Office confirmed that the victim’s mother signed an affidavit on September 25, 2024, to support the charges against her live-in partner, identified only as Roger.

“We’re waiting for the resolution from the fiscal’s office. Once it reaches the court and a warrant is issued, we’ll arrest the suspect,” an NBI Bacolod spokesperson said.

The Grade 10 student, Pearl Joy, disappeared on July 29 after attending a half-day class. Her body was discovered two weeks later on August 14 in Barangay Cubay, La Carlota City.

Recent autopsy results indicate the victim was tortured before being killed, according to police reports.

Roger had previously admitted to molesting Pearl Joy.

In a media interview after facing the NBI probe, he refused to comment on the alleged molestation but stated, “I’m willing to face the charges that may be filed against me.”

He denied involvement in Pearl Joy’s death, saying, “I have no idea who did it to my stepdaughter, and I’m not protecting anyone that might be involved in the incident.”