Girl, 13, found dead in sugarcane field in Negros Occidental

A 13-year-old girl who was reported missing for several days was found dead at a sugarcane field in Candoni, Negros Occidental on Monday, April 27.  

According to the report of GMA Regional TV’s Adrian Prietos in “24 Oras” on Wednesday, the parents of Rica Grace Simple broke down in tears after seeing her lifeless body.

Authorities noted a wound on her on her forehead, while her shirt was slightly lifted. 

Officials of Barangay West found the victim’s body at the sugarcane field and immediately advised her kin. 

“Nung natagpuan, nakahiga siya sa gitna ng taniman ng tubo. May sugat sa ulo. Kumpleto rin ang kanyang damit. Siguro, hard object (ang ginamit), hindi kutsilyo,” said Police Captain Leonel Adoracion, chief of the Candoni Municipal Police Station. 

(When she was found, she was lying in the middle of the sugarcane plantation. There was a wound on her head. Her clothes were also intact. It was likely a hard object [that was used], not a knife.) 

According to statements of the victim’s kin made before authorities, Rica was sent to purchase ice and alcohol on the evening of Sunday, April 26. The store was situated in Barangay Haba, approximately fifty meters from her home.

Rica’s family is unsure if she made it to the store before her body was found at the sugarcane field. The victim’s body will undergo an autopsy.

Meanwhile, police have identified a person of interest but have yet to disclose the details. 

“Sa area ng Barangay Haba, hindi mag-worry. Kung may alam kayo, coordinate sa amin. Mayroon na kaming tinutukan pero tinitipon pa ang concrete evidence,” Adoracion said.

(To those in the area of Barangay Haba, do not worry. If you know anything, coordinate with us. We already have someone we are focusing on, but we are still gathering concrete evidence.) — Vince Angelo Ferreras/JMA, GMA News