7-year-old allegedly raped, killed by godfather in Cavite

A 7-year-old girl was found dead after she was allegedly raped and strangled by her godfather in Cavite on Thursday.

According to John Consulta's report on "24 Oras," the crime happened in a creek in Barangay Cabuco, Trece Martires, Cavite.

The victim was declared dead on arrival when she was brought to the hospital.

According to the Trece Martires Police Station, the suspect, John Paul Baluyot, a construction worker, asked the victim to accompany him in looking for his ex-girlfriend at the creek.

It was discovered that the suspect even drank alcohol with the victim's father before the crime.

“Dinala po niya sa kawayanan yung bata at doon niya po hinalay. Nung nakita na po ng isang bystander, witness ay sinigawan, agad pong tumakbo yung suspek,” said Trece Martires Police Station chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Asnan.

On Friday, the suspect was nabbed by the police at a construction site in Dasmariñas.

“Nasakal po ng kamay. Pero hindi ko po in-expect na ganun ang mangyayari. Humihingi po ako ng sorry,” the suspect said.

“Wala pong katawaran ‘yun, pag napatawad ko po ba siya ‘yung bata mabubuhay po ba hindi naman e,” said Michelle Delos Santos, sister of the victim.

Meanwhile, the victim's mother, Mary Ann Delos Santo, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Saudi Arabia, expressed her pain and disbelief.

"Humalik raw po ‘yung bata sa sa tatay. Malambing po kasi yang batang 'yan sir, tapos sabi niya bibili na po ako tapos hindi na po bumalik,” she said, adding she hopes to return to the Philippines immediately.

"Lahat ng puwersa na makukuha natin para siya ay matulungan ay gagawin natin, itatawag ko rin ito kay Secretary Toots Ople,” Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Administrator Arnel Ignacio said.— Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News