A 16-year-old girl who had been missing for nearly a week was found dead inside a suitcase floating in a river in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

Police responded to reports of a suspicious suitcase in Sapang Alat River evening on February 13, 2025.

Upon opening it, they found the victim’s bloated body in a fetal position, still clothed fully.

“Nakita namin ‘yung isang slightly opened na maleta and visible po roon na may bangkay sa loob,” PCMS Adrian Nolasco, SJDM PCP2 Station Commander, said.

Wounds were also visible on the girl’s body.

Authorities are investigating whether the suitcase was dumped in the water or was carried into the river by floodwaters caused by heavy rains.

“Sunod-sunod ‘yung ulan. Dahil ilog nga ‘yon, hindi natin masasabi kung inanod ba pero may possibility na doon din talaga,” PSSG Patrick Llanza, Case Investigator, said.

LAST TIME GIRL WAS SEEN

The victim’s family said the girl left home on February 7, 2025 to visit a friend in Caloocan but never returned.

“Tawag nang tawag ‘yung last niyang kausap na kaibigan na pinipilit siyang sunduin ‘yung kaibigan kasi binubugbog daw po ng asawa,” a family member said.

Closed circuit television (CCTV) footage captured the girl walking toward her friend’s house in Caloocan that night.

Her family tried to contact her desperately but she reportedly stopped replying.

“Simula noon, hindi na po siya nagparamdam. Wala na rin po ‘yung account niya. Hindi na po ma-contact ‘yung cellphone niya,” her relative added.

Days later, they found her lifeless body stuffed inside the suitcase.

“Sobrang grabe. Nakita ko ‘yung itsura ng katawan ng kapatid ko. May butas ‘yung leeg. Tapos ‘yung mukha niya, hindi ko na halos makilala,” her sibling said tearfully.

Police have identified persons of interest who have reportedly gone into hiding.

Investigators continue gathering evidence to determine who was responsible for the gruesome killing, while the victim’s family seeks justice for their tragic loss.