A seven-year-old boy died after he was allegedly beaten with a wooden plank embedded with nails for allegedly picking mangoes without permission in Balinguian, Zamboanga del Norte.

According to the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga (PRO-9), witnesses said the victim entered a private compound in Barangay Alegria on Wednesday, April 8, to pick mangoes when the property owner caught him.

The 55-year-old suspect allegedly struck the boy with a piece of wood, reportedly embedded with nails, which caused fatal injuries.

Police said the child sustained multiple injuries that the Municipal Health Office considered as possible cause of death.

“According sa interview sa witnesses, nahuli  siya ng may-ari ng puno. Based sa initial investigation pinagpapalo ng isang ‘dos por dos.’ Sa kasamaang palad, may iilang pako yung dos por dos. Maraming tama ‘yung bata and ‘yun ang tinitingnan ng ating Municipal Health Office na pwedeng maging cause ng kanyang death,” PRO-9 Spokesperson, Major Shellamie Chang, said.

The victim was found dead inside the compound.

Authorities also arrested the suspect. He is facing charges.