A quiet community in Malaybalay City has been plunged into shock and mourning after the body of a nine-year-old girl, who had been missing for days, was discovered Friday morning, April 17, 2026, prompting authorities to launch an intensified manhunt for the suspect.
The victim, identified as Archel Licayan, was found at around 10:00 a.m. in Sitio Incalbog, Barangay Can-ayan. Initial police reports said the child had been reported missing as early as April 14. Her lifeless body was discovered stuffed inside a sack and abandoned along a riverbank, a detail that has further deepened outrage among residents.
Family members, including her grandparents, were the first to identify the remains. They are reportedly devastated by the brutal loss, as the community rallies to support them in their grief.
The Malaybalay City Police Station immediately launched a hot pursuit operation following the discovery. Authorities are now working closely with neighboring local government units and other law enforcement agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing, including a timeline and possible motive. Investigators are treating the case as a violent crime and have begun forensic examinations, while also gathering witness statements that may help identify and locate the perpetrator.
Local officials have identified a person of interest believed to be a resident of Barangay Alanib in Lantapan, Bukidnon. According to information shared by authorities, the individual reportedly has a previous murder case on record in the same municipality. Police have tightened monitoring of possible exit routes and are pursuing multiple leads to prevent the suspect from evading arrest.
The gruesome discovery has sparked widespread grief and anger across Malaybalay City, with residents and community leaders demanding swift justice for the young victim. Calls for accountability have intensified as the case continues to unfold.
In a bid to accelerate the arrest of the suspect, City Councilor Jason Chad Ayala has offered a ₱50,000 cash reward for any information that could lead to the identification and capture of the person responsible. Authorities have also circulated a photo of the person of interest on social media to aid in the search.
Police have appealed to the public for full cooperation, urging anyone with relevant information to immediately report to the nearest police station. Investigators are particularly seeking witnesses who may have seen the victim or the suspect prior to April 14, as well as any available surveillance footage that could help track the suspect’s movements.
Officials emphasized that vigilance and timely reporting from the community are crucial in ensuring that justice is served and preventing further incidents. They assured the public that all credible leads will be thoroughly pursued.
As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, united in grief and in the demand for justice for Archel Licayan. Authorities have vowed to leave no stone unturned until the person responsible for the heinous crime is brought to justice.