A 16-YEAR-OLD girl was found dead near the cemetery in Camp Philips, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon early Monday.
Police identified the victim as Hazel Olivar, a resident of Camp Philips, Bukidnon, and a student of AMA Computer College in Cagayan de Oro.
Investigators at Manolo Fortich Police Station said Olivar sustained head injury believed to be caused by a hard object. She also suffered injuries in the eye.
Though there was no sign that the victim was raped, police believed the victim and the suspect were having a "lovers quarrel", which resulted to the killing.
Police identified Mario Bataan, 24, alleged boyfriend of the victim, as the primary suspect in the killing. He was last seen with the victim the night before she was found dead.
Police operatives said a case of murder would be filed against Bataan, who is still at large as of this posting.
Witnesses said Bataan was seen traveling toward Barangay Puerto, Cagayan de Oro City. (Annabelle L. Ricalde)