An eight-year-old girl was in critical condition after she was allegedly assaulted sexually and beaten by a 20-year-old man in Barangay Sapang Biabas, Mabalacat City, Pampanga on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

Police identified the victim only as “Amy,” a Grade 2 student, who was found weak and injured near the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) a day after she went missing.

According to initial investigation, the child was seen last around 8:30 p.m. on October 19 at a pisonet shop where her older sister works. CCTV footage later showed a man tapping the girl on the shoulder before they walked away together.

Her mother, who searched the area overnight, sought help from barangay officials the following morning.

The suspect, identified as a helper and a resident of the same barangay, was arrested later.

Police said the suspect admitted bringing the child to the NLEX area.

A search led to the discovery of the girl who was found nearly unconscious and with multiple bruises and head injuries.

“Nagtanong ang barangay kung may nakita po silang bata doon sa NLEX at positive, at dinala na po sa ina dahil wala na po itong saplot. Talagang critical… halos hindi po niya maimulat ang kanyang mga mata kasi allegedly ito nga po ay pinagpupokpok ng bato at iniuntog ang ulo [ng biktima sa pader],” WCPD Chief PCapt. Catherine Maizo said.

The victim was rushed to Ospital Ning Angeles for treatment and was later transferred to a larger facility for further tests due to severe head injuries.

According to the police, the suspect will be charged with statutory rape with frustrated murder in relation to Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law.

The suspect and the victim’s family have yet to issue a statement, as of this writing.