Manhunt on for 2nd suspect in boy’s slay

MANILA, Philippines - A manhunt has been launched for the companion of an 11-year-old “bully” accused of beating up and killing a nine-year-old boy in Taguig City last week, an official said yesterday.

City police chief Senior Superintendent Tomas Apolinario said the companion is reportedly not a minor and will be charged with murder once he is arrested. He added that they are still investigating the exact participation of the companion, who was tagged in the crime by the victim’s friend.

The names of the bully, the victim and the victim’s playmate have been withheld because they are minors.

According to the police, the victim and his nine-year-old friend were playing at the Hi Build construction site in Fort Bonifacio on Oct. 28 when the suspects arrived past noon.

The 11-year-old, a grade three student, allegedly tried to extort money from the victim, who was a grade two pupil. The bully beat the victim when he refused. His playmate was able to escape.

By Oct. 30, when the playmate found out that the victim had not gone home since the attack, he told his parents and those of the victim what happened at the construction site.

The missing boy’s parents asked the police to search the site. The victim’s body was later found in an excavation filled with rainwater.