THE result of the forensic investigation from the Regional Crime Laboratory Office in Davao (RCLO-11) confirmed that the six-year-old girl found with a rope around her neck was strangled to death.
RCLO director Police Superintendent Georby Manuel said on Wednesday, September 26, that this was the findings of Medico Legal Officer Police Chief Inspector Nolan Genova, who conducted the autopsy on the child identified as Christine Angel Tino Laquinari.
“According to the autopsy of Dr. Genova, the cause of death is asphyxia probably by ligature, parang sinakal siya gamit ang lubid (it appeared she was strangled using a rope),” he said.
Asked if there was a possibility that the victim was raped, Manuel said they cannot ascertain this because the body was already in an advanced state of decomposition when it was found on Sunday, September 23.
“Ang mga lacerations, hindi na natin ma-determine but yong pagsakal may lubid pa doon na masasabi natin na yon ang gamit para mamatay ang bata,” he added.
Manuel, however, added that the investigation does not end there. There are still ways to determine whether the girl was raped or not, like DNA sampling or if a witness comes forward.
Suspect Rico Jay Lauron Labao was charged with murder after he admitted killing the child. He earlier denied the allegation that he raped her.