THE Toril Police Station arrested the suspect responsible for the killing of a 14-year-old girl around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.
Police reported that the suspect became enraged when the victim expressed astonishment upon meeting him in person, as he looked different from what was portrayed on Facebook. The suspect was identified as Jayson Demahii, 20, a construction laborer and the victim's chatmate.
Police Captain Marlon Donguilab, office-in-charge of Toril Police Station 8, stated that the victim might have been attracted to the suspect based on his profile picture, leading to disappointment upon the real-life encounter.
Demahii was arrested in a hot pursuit operation at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 7. The police investigation revealed that the suspect assaulted the victim, resulting in severe injuries, including being beaten with wood and struck on the head with a rock.
In an interview with KAMM Media Network, Donguilab expressed sympathy for the victim, stating, "Luoy kaayo ang bata, guba ang nawong (I pity the child. Her face was beyond recognition)."
The police emphasized that the victim had communicated her concerns to a friend, saying, "Dili man diay ni si Jayson akong kakita, lahi man, tabangi ko (He doesn't look like the Jayson I saw online, he looks different in person, please help me)."
The victim's sister sought assistance from the police station after being alerted by the friend.
CCTV footage showed the victim with an unidentified man heading outside an establishment.
The investigation revealed that the victim was found bleeding and lifeless near a tower in Purok 3, Cogon, Barangay Bato.
Donguilab urged parents and guardians to monitor their children's online activities and remind them not to meet strangers, especially without proper knowledge of the person. JPC