MAGPET, Cotabato — Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the death of an 11-year-old boy whose body was found in Barangay Amabel, Magpet, Cotabato, amid circulating allegations on social media that he had been chased and fatally beaten by several individuals.
The victim was identified as Jay Anthony Medina, 11, a resident of Barangay Amabel.
According to the Magpet Municipal Police Station (MPS), the incident was officially reported on July 10, 2026, at around 12:40 p.m., when Barangay Captain Maylyn Ronquillo and the victim’s grandmother and guardian, Nora Ansabo Guabong, personally went to the police station to report the case.
Last Seen Playing Basketball
Based on the police report, Jay Anthony was last seen alive at around 5:00 p.m. on July 9, while playing basketball with friends at the barangay gymnasium.
When the child failed to return home that evening, his family and relatives immediately launched a search throughout the community.
The following morning, at around 6:00 a.m. on July 10, the boy was discovered lifeless behind the Multi-Purpose Building in Barangay Amabel.
Before law enforcement officers were informed of the incident, the family had already transported the child’s body by motorcycle to a funeral home in Barangay Poblacion due to the poor condition of the roads leading from the area.
Social Media Claims Under Verification
In the aftermath of the tragedy, social media posts claimed that the boy had allegedly been chased by several individuals, taken to a secluded area, and brutally beaten, resulting in his death.
The victim’s grandmother reportedly alleged that her grandson was pursued by a group of people for reasons that remain unknown before he was allegedly assaulted.
Other posts also claimed that the child’s body was later seen lying on top of a motorcycle while being transported and that his remains are now being mourned by relatives in their community.
However, police have not confirmed these allegations, emphasizing that these claims remain unverified and are still subject to investigation.
As of this writing, no suspects have been publicly identified, and authorities have yet to determine the exact circumstances and cause of the child’s death.
Police Appeal for Responsible Reporting
In an official statement, the Magpet Municipal Police Station called on members of the media and the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could mislead the investigation and inflict additional pain on the grieving family.
The police stressed that only verified and official information should be shared while investigators continue gathering evidence and interviewing possible witnesses.
The Magpet MPS also assured the public that it remains committed to conducting an impartial investigation and providing accurate updates as soon as verified information becomes available.
Family Seeks Justice
Meanwhile, the victim’s family continues to mourn the heartbreaking loss of the young boy and has appealed for justice, urging anyone with information that could help identify those responsible—if foul play is established—to come forward and cooperate with investigators.
Authorities have likewise encouraged individuals with firsthand knowledge of the incident to report to the Magpet Municipal Police Station to assist in uncovering the truth behind the child’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing.