By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez announced Tuesday that he is offering a P50,000 cash reward for information leading to the resolution of the case involving a Grade 10 student from Barangay Sum-ag who was found dead in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, last week.
Benitez stated that he recently met with the mother of the 15-year-old victim at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) and assured her that the city government will do everything possible to apprehend those responsible for the crime.
The mayor also expressed his willingness to increase the bounty, depending on the proposal of Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica, officer-in-charge of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO).
“If there’s a recommendation to increase the reward, I will consider it. I will wait for the city police director’s proposal,” Benitez said.
He added that the funds for the reward would come from his personal resources.
Benitez mentioned that he is awaiting the results of the ongoing investigation and assured that the city would provide all necessary support to the La Carlota police in solving the case.
“We are prepared to give any assistance needed to resolve this case,” he said.
The teenager was reported missing by her family on July 30, a day after she failed to return home on July 29. She was found dead two weeks later in a sugarcane field in Barangay Cubay, La Carlota City, on August 14.
Amid speculations allegedly linking the victim’s stepfather to the incident, police have declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation. However, they have encouraged him to come forward to clear his name.
The victim was last seen alive after attending a half-day class on July 29. Police are still investigating how she ended up in La Carlota City.
JUSTICE SOUGHT
Meanwhile, students of Sum-ag National High School held a prayer rally last Monday, calling for justice for their slain schoolmate. The school paid tribute to the victim before she was laid to rest that day.
“We want the authorities to find out what really happened and to ensure that nobody else has to endure this kind of pain,” the school stated on its Facebook page.
The students urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to arrest those responsible for the victim’s death, expressing a strong desire for justice.
The school is also praying for strength for the victim’s family and friends, as well as for peace in the community.
Despite limited funds, the school took the initiative to install three closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to enhance student security.
Benitez had earlier encouraged schools to install CCTV as part of their security protocols.
