A nine-year-old girl who had been missing for several days was found dead inside a sack in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Concerned residents found the victim lifeless in a sloped area in Barangay Can-ayan.

Based on investigation, the victim was reported missing since April 14, 2026. Her identity was verified later by her family who coordinated with authorities.

“Nag-request ta sa Bukidnon Provincial Forensic Unit nga i-process ang crime scene, as well as ang area. Na-observe sab nato nga kining patay’ng lawas sa atoang minor kay naa na sa decomposition stage,” Bukidnon Police Provincial Office Spokesperson, Capt. Shiela Joy Jangad, said.

Authorities have yet to determine if the victim was abused sexually, pending the results of an autopsy.

Police have already identified a person of interest but declined to disclosed more details so as not to jeopardize an ongoing investigation.

“Naga-imbestiga nata sa nahitabo, nag-coordinate pud ta sa Lantapan kay ang pamilya sa kani nga minor kay taga Lantapan but definitely pangitaan gyud ni og pamaagi aron sulbaron ni ug hatagan gyud nato og hustisya ang pamilya sa biktima,” Jangad added.

Authorities urged those who have knowledge about the incident to come forward.

Meanwhile, in a social media post, City Councilor Jayson Chad Ayala has offered a P50,000 reward to anyone who can provide information that can lead to the identification and arrest of the person of interest.