Police arrested the father and stepmother of a seven-year-old girl whose body was found on the shoreline of Bonuan Gueset, Dagupan City on August 15, 2025.

Authorities identified the victim as a Grade 2 student from Barangay Bantog, Asingan, Pangasinan. She was reported missing after being taken from her home the day before.

Police Lt. Col. Lawrence Keith Calub, officer-in-charge of Dagupan City Police Station, said the suspects were caught in Sison, Pangasinan.

“Hinuli po (sila) ng composite teams from different stations… may naka-identify doon sa suspects kaya hinuli po natin sila doon sa Sison, Pangasinan,” he said.

Initial investigation showed a car stopped at the victim’s house on August 14, 2025 and she was allegedly forced into the vehicle. Later that night, fishermen found her lifeless body on the beach. A medico-legal examination found three cuts on her neck.

Police traced the vehicle used in the crime with the help of its owner, who came forward after recognizing it online despite its fake license plate.

“May nag-post po kasi na concerned citizen, na nakita po itong Fortuner na ito daw ‘yong alleged na kumuha doon sa bata. So nung nakita nung owner sabi niya sasakyan ko ‘yan kahit magkaiba ‘yung plaka pero may markings ‘yan,” Calub said.

Investigators learned later that the suspects rented the vehicle. The father and his current wife were confirmed as those who rented the car.

Police believe vengeance was the motive.

“Nakikita natin na motive dito is vengeance. Medyo mahaba ‘yong kwento pero about ito sa support, about sa miscarriage, about sa effect ng post-partum though marami pong effect pero ang nakikita natin is vengeance,” Calub added.

The victim’s mother vowed to seek justice. In a statement posted online, she said she will not stop until those responsible are held accountable for the death of her only child.

Cases are now being prepared against the suspects as investigation continues.