• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Authorities have arrested the person of interest (POI) in the killing of 13-year-old Rica Grace Simple, whose body was discovered in a sugarcane field in Barangay West, Candoni, Negros Occidental, on the evening of April 27.
Police Captain Leonel Adolacion, chief of the Candoni Municipal Police Station, said the individual, identified as 41-year-old farmer alias ‘Jonard,’ was initially arrested on May 1 for illegal possession of firearms.
In a phone patch interview, he said that alias ‘Jonard,’ a neighbor of the victim, released a statement claiming that he committed the crime.
Adolacion also added that witnesses reported the victim was last seen alive riding a tricycle with the suspect on the night of her disappearance.
Reports said ‘Jonard’ admitted to offering the girl a ride on his tricycle under the pretense of helping her reach the store, only to divert her to a secluded area for attempted sexual assault.
He allegedly strangled the victim and struck her with a rock after she threatened to report him, resulting in her death.
The police captain said they are currently awaiting official medico-legal results to confirm whether sexual abuse took place.
Adolacion said that once the forensic results are finalized, the police will proceed with filing a case related to the killing.
The suspect is currently in police custody facing charges for violation of Republic Act 10591, regarding the illegal possession of firearms.*
