A seven-year-old girl was found dead in a cave in Barangay Palola, Lucban, Quezon. 

Police said the girl was bound and gagged when found, suggesting possible sexual assault. Her body also showed signs of strangulation and indications of blunt force trauma.

Investigation showed that the girl was seen last playing in the area near her home before she went missing evening on January 13, 2024.

"Nagwo-worry na 'yung magulang niya kasi very unusual kasi past 10 na, hindi pa rin umuuwi itong anak nila," PMaj. Marnie Abellanida, chief of the Lucban Police Station, said.

A 33-year-old suspect was arrested later.

The suspect, a neighbor of the victim, was identified through clothes and a hat left at the crime scene.

The mother of the victim recognized the garments as belonging to the suspect. 

A DNA test may prove this connection. 

"Du'n nabanggit ng mother na "'yan nakikita ko 'yan," kasi nga kapitbahay sila. Nakikita [niya] raw na sinusuot [ng suspek]. 'Yung [DNA test] naman [ay] 'yun magsu-support din naman siya if ever kapag lumabas na 'yung [results ng] DNA test," Abellanida added.

The suspect is now facing charges of rape with homicide.

In light of the incident, authorities urged parents to monitor their children closely when the kids play outside of their homes.