By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – Authorities safely rescued a five-year-old girl here on Monday night, hours after she was reported missing in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, that afternoon.
A photo of the child circulated on social media that day after her family sought the assistance of netizens in finding her.
Police Lieutenant Liza Fe Vingco, head of the Women and Children’s Protection Desk (WCPD), said that based on their investigation, the child was reportedly picked up by three men, including two minors, in Talisay City.
Vingco said the girl was playing with her cousins, but they went home, leaving her behind. She did not elaborate on how the three men convinced the girl to go with them.
The suspects brought the girl to Bacolod City on a mini bus, for reasons still unknown.
Authorities located the girl after receiving information of their sighting in Barangay Villamonte. She was rescued from the three suspects near a convenience store in Barangay Villamonte on Monday night.
The suspects, aged 41, 12, and 15, were taken to Police Station 4 for investigation, while the victim was safely returned to her parents.
The older suspect is detained at Police Station 4 and will be turned over to Talisay City Police Station.
The two minors were placed under the custody of the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD).
Vingco said they are awaiting the results of the child’s medical examination to determine if she was harmed. She also mentioned that one of the minor suspects had a previous offense but did not provide details.
Authorities are still determining the appropriate charges to file against the suspects and are further gathering information about the incident.
The WCPD reminds parents to look after their children to ensure their safety.
