Girl, 12, raped, slain

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – A 12-year-old girl was found dead in a cave after her neighbor raped her in Barangay Canturay, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental on New Year, police said yesterday.

Senior Superintendent Samuel Nacion, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office acting director, said the girl was found naked and hogtied in a cave at a hilly portion of the barangay.

The girl was last seen with her neighbor, identified as 22-year-old Rolando Lausa, at around 10 p.m. on Dec. 31. Hours later, her uncle, Reynold Mahilum, sought assistance after she failed to come home.

Barangay officials found the body after conducting a search of the area. They arrested the suspect, who reportedly admitted raping the girl because he “just felt like doing it.”

Superintendent Luisito Acebuche, Sipalay City police chief, said a charge of rape with homicide was filed with the prosecutor’s office.