A nine-year-old girl who was reported missing was found dead at a grassy area in Barangay New Israel, Makilala, Cotabato.

The girl, a Grade 3 student, was reported missing on November 23, 2024. Her decomposing body was found on November 26.

Police said the girl may have been stabbed first before she was allegedly raped.

Postmortem examination reportedly revealed that she may have been strangled.

“Migawas sa result sa postmortem examination, so nakita didto nga naa siya’y lacerated wounds. Naa pud siya’y stab wounds, pamamaga sa kanyang ari ug nakita sa report nga usa sa hinungdan sa iyang kamatayon, murag gisakal ba, and brain injury,” Makilala Municipal Police Station Spokesperson, Chief Master Sergeant Rithce Jala Gesulga, said.

Authorities said someone saw the victim buying a cigarette at a store prior to the incident.

Investigators are considering the person who might have asked the victim to buy a cigarette as one of the three persons of interest.

“Posible nga ang gasugo sa pagpalit og sigarilyo ang atong suspek, mao na atong gina-establish karon. Naa pud ta’y nakita didto nga certain ebidensya didtu sa area nga naay short atung nakit an nga lighter, naay mga sanina nga nabilin,” Gesulga added.

The girl was laid to rest on Monday, December 2.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to her family for a statement, as of this writing.

The local government has offered a P20,000 cash reward for anyone who can help in the investigation.

“Panawagan sa pamilya is justice sa ilang palangga nga anak nga nawala then natagpuang patay na. Nagtinabangay even the local government unit, ang atong honorable mayor, naghatag pud og reward money worth P20,000,” Gesulga said.