AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD elementary school girl was found dead in a sugarcane plantation in Barangay Bajumpandan, Dumaguete City Wednesday morning.
Dumaguete City Police Chief James Gofort said Catherine Sinuag sustained multiple hack wounds in her body which he described as defense wounds.
City Health Officer Sarah Talla, on the other hand, told Sun.Star that Catherine died due to a big slash on her neck.
Dr. Talla, however, refused to confirm or deny that the victim was raped before she was killed pending the result of a medical examination.
Catherine, a Grade 3 pupil of Babajuba Elementary School, was still wearing her school uniform and backpack when found dead around 7 a.m. by her father. Catherine is a consistent honor pupil.
Evidence recovered from the victim’s hand are strands of hair believed to be from the child’s killer. Also recovered from the crime scene were a piece of scythe and an empty sack.
Gofort, in a press conference, said the victim’s parents reported Tuesday evening that Catherine was missing and failed to go home after her afternoon classes. Catherine's family together with their neighbors and some teachers of Babajuba Elementary school went looking for her overnight.
Meanwhile, Gofort clarified that a certain Arnel who was with the crowd when the body of the victim was examined by the members of the Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco) was invited to the police station for questioning.
Gofort said he is not yet a suspect unless there is probable cause that could link him to the crime.