AUTHORITIES arrested the mother of a six-year-old girl in connection with her daughter's tragic death in Malinis village, Lamitan City, Basilan, police reported Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
The incident, which occurred Saturday evening, June 14, is under investigation as a case of parricide in relation to Republic Act 7610, the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
Police Brigadier General Romeo Macapaz, Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) director, said a concerned citizen alerted Lamitan City police around 11 p.m. Saturday, June 14, about an alleged child abuse case resulting in the girl's death.
Macapaz stated that investigation revealed the child left home around 2:30 p.m. the same day with her cousin to buy vegetables, without informing her mother.
Allegedly angered, the mother searched for the child, found her near the road, and reportedly beat her multiple times with a tree branch before taking her home.
A witness informed authorities that upon returning home, the mother placed her daughter inside a sack. When the child became unresponsive, the mother rushed her daughter to Lamitan District Hospital, where a physician declared her dead on arrival.
"We urge everyone to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspected cases of child abuse or domestic violence to the nearest police station," Macapaz said.
The mother is now in the custody of Lamitan City Police and will undergo medical and physical examinations as part of the standard legal process. She will be charged with violating R.A. 7610. (SunStar Zamboanga)