POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato — Police have taken into custody two male suspects in connection with the killing of a 15-year-old girl whose body was found in a pineapple plantation in Barangay Maligo, Polomolok, authorities confirmed.
The victim, identified as Sharlyn Bernaldez and also known by the alias “Inday,” was discovered dead on the morning of January 15 at Field 203A, Purok Mauswagon. She had been reported missing days earlier after leaving home to swim at a nearby resort and attend a celebration.
According to Samuel T. Cadungon, provincial director of the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office, the two suspects were identified as persons of interest based on physical evidence recovered at the crime scene and corroborating witness accounts. Both are currently detained at the Polomolok Municipal Police Station and face homicide charges, with additional cases possible pending forensic results.
Police said the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) recovered a multi-colored jersey shirt, a pair of sandals, and a lipstick or lip tint near the victim’s body. One witness positively identified one suspect wearing a jersey similar to the shirt found at the scene. Investigators also noted bruises and scratches on one suspect that he could not satisfactorily explain, which police believe may be consistent with the victim’s attempt to fight back.
The victim’s remains were brought to the Regional Forensic Unit XII in General Santos City for autopsy. Authorities are awaiting results to determine whether sexual assault occurred. Investigators said the victim was found with injuries in the waist area and without lower clothing, prompting suspicions that she may have been raped before being killed.
“While the suspects deny involvement, we are relying on credible witnesses and forensic evidence,” Cadungon said, adding that rape charges will be filed if the autopsy confirms sexual assault. Two mobile phones confiscated from the suspects will undergo forensic examination by the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit XII, and both suspects are scheduled for DNA testing at the Regional Crime Laboratory Office XII.
The investigation revealed that the victim was last seen with the two suspects on the afternoon of January 14, reportedly riding a motorcycle and stopping at a store near the plantation. Family members have raised the possibility that more individuals may have been involved, a lead police said remains under active investigation.
The victim’s family has appealed for justice, saying they will not be satisfied with arrests alone. Authorities urged anyone with information to come forward as investigators continue to pursue all angles in what police described as a heinous crime against a minor in South Cotabato.