BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A minor, who was believed to be a victim of attempted rape, was declared dead on arrival at a hospital after she was found inside a sugarcane plantation with multiple stab wounds on Saturday at Purok Bulad in Brgy. Mabini, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.
The 14-year-old victim, whose identity is being withheld, succumbed to four stab wounds, Lt. Col. Robert Mansueto, Cadiz City police chief, said yesterday.
Mansueto said that they have already established circumstantial evidences against the suspect, whom they have invited for questioning.
But he said that they are still waiting for witnesses who may come out to ensure an air tight case against the suspect, who is an admirer of the victim, a Grade 9 student.
Cadiz City police investigation showed that the victim was on her way home, when she was waylaid and dragged by the suspect inside a sugarcane plantation.
Prior to the incident, the suspect, who was riding a motorcycle, was reported seen following the victim and later came out from the sugarcane field, Mansueto said.
He added that their investigation showed that the suspect attempted to rape the victim, who had fought back and shouted for help.
The attempted rape possibly did not push through as the shouts of the victim may have attracted the attention of some people, who passed by the area and later discovered the victim, Mansueto also said.
He added that the face mask recovered at the crime scene was similar to the one worn by the suspect.
Mansueto also said that he is confident the case will be solved soon.*
