TRIGGER WARNING: This article mentions rape.
PANABO City Mayor Jose E. Relampagos condemned the killing of a 14-year-old high school student who was murdered and sexually abused by her stepfather. The victim's body was found on March 1, 2025, at Purok 4 Napo, Barangay Little Panay, two days after she was reported missing on February 28.
In an investigation conducted by the Panabo Police Station, the 40-year-old suspect, identified as alias Mark (real name withheld) from Barangay San Francisco, confessed to authorities that he had orchestrated the crime after it was discovered that he had buried the body of the student.
Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with dxDC RMN Davao, Police Captain Alex Vitosolo, Deputy of the Panabo Police Statin, revealed that the body of the minor, identified as alias Jane, had already undergone an autopsy.
On the other hand, Barangay San Francisco Councilor Conster Matutino stated that the suspect was an outsider to the barangay, which is why there are no records of any prior criminal activities associated with him ever since.
Councilor Matutino also expressed hope that such a brutal incident would not occur again, emphasizing that this was the first major crime to have occurred in their barangay.
At present, the suspect is now under the custody of the Panabo City Police, where he is being held for further investigation. Authorities continue to gather evidence and question the suspect regarding his involvement in the crime.
As of press time, SunStar Davao reached out to the Panabo Police Station for updates but has yet to receive a response. DEF
