By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – The stepfather of the teenage student recently found dead here has surfaced to clear his name amidst ongoing investigations.
Authorities, however, have withheld further details as the investigation continues.
According to reports, the stepfather recently visited his live-in partner, the mother of the 15-year-old victim, at their home in Barangay Sum-ag.
They discussed family matters, but he did not stay in the village. Fearing for his safety and that of his family, he sought assistance from authorities.
The stepfather emerged after learning he had been named a person of interest in his stepdaughter’s death.
His situation gained widespread attention on social media after he went missing following the discovery of the Grade 10 student’s body in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental.
The victim was reported missing by her family on July 30, a day after she failed to return home on July 29.
Her body was found two weeks later, on August 14, in a sugarcane field in Barangay Cubay, La Carlota City.
Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez has offered a P50,000 cash reward for information leading to the resolution of the case, assuring that the city will provide all necessary support to the investigation.
Police are still investigating and have not yet disclosed any significant developments.
