Girl killed in birthday brawl; 2 teens arrested

MANILA, Philippines - Two teenagers were arrested for allegedly killing a 13-year-old girl in a brawl that occurred during a birthday party in Barangay Talayan, Quezon City at past midnight yesterday.

Jovit Guererro, 19, only said, “Trip lang namin (It was a trip),” when he was asked why he and his friends suddenly attacked a group of teenagers, which resulted in the death of Jeslie dela Cruz, 13.

Guerrero’s group and Dela Cruz’s friends were invited to celebrate the birthday of a common friend Friday night. Dela Cruz’s group, which included her boyfriend, Paulo Tapel, decided to leave since Guerrero’s group were staring at them with open hostility, police said.  

Guerrero’s group followed Dela Cruz and her friends, then attacked the boys in Dela Cruz’s group. Dela Cruz was reportedly trying to stop the fight but got beaten up. She fell and hit her head on the pavement.

Dela Cruz was rushed to the Orthopedic Hospital but was declared dead on arrival at past 1 a.m.

Guerrero claimed his friend Victorino Diaz, 19, started the fight. He also tagged Diaz as the one who pounced on Dela Cruz.

Guererro and a 17-year-old boy were arrested by policemen of the Quezon City Police District Station 1 after they were tagged as among the 10 who attacked the group of Dela Cruz.

The 17-year-old suspect was turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development while investigators are trying to find the other members of Guerrero’s group.