SOUTH UPI, Maguindanao del Sur — Police are pursuing two persons of interest in the death of a 10-year-old Indigenous girl who was found dead with her hands and feet bound to a tree in a remote area of Barangay Romongaob on October 26, prompting calls for justice and stronger protection for children.
The victim, identified by authorities only as alias “Cyll,” was a Grade 5 pupil and resident of South Upi. According to the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), her body was discovered at around 11 a.m. in Sitio Lower Tambel, Barangay Romongaob. Police reports said her neck was also tied to the tree.
South Upi Municipal Police Station chief PLT. Albert Alarde separately told that the child was found in a rubber plantation in the Timanan area, with her hands and feet bound. Authorities have yet to clarify the reported location details and establish the complete circumstances surrounding the discovery.
The case remains under investigation, with authorities examining the circumstances of the child’s death, including the possibility of sexual abuse before she was killed. Police have not publicly identified a suspect, and the two persons of interest being pursued have not been established as responsible for the crime.
Mayor offers ₱50,000 reward for information
South Upi Mayor Helen Benito-Padua has offered a personal reward of ₱50,000 for credible information that could help identify and apprehend the person or persons responsible for the child’s death.
In a public statement, Padua condemned the incident and expressed sympathy for the victim’s family, describing the reported violence against a minor as a tragedy no child should experience.
“As a mother and public servant, I deeply sympathize with the victim’s family amid their profound grief. No words are enough to ease their pain, but I firmly believe that justice must be served for the child known as alias ‘Cyll,’” the mayor said.
The municipal government urged anyone with relevant information to contact the South Upi Municipal Police Station or call the PNP hotline at 0905-802-0442.
Authorities and local officials also appealed to the public to refrain from circulating unverified information, graphic images, or sensitive details about the victim. They stressed that protecting the child’s dignity and the family’s privacy is essential while investigators work to establish the facts.
Indigenous affairs ministry condemns violence
The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) strongly condemned the reported killing of the child, who belonged to an Indigenous community.
In a statement signed by MIPA Minister Guiamal Abdulrahman, the ministry described the reported incident as an unacceptable act of violence against a minor.
Abdulrahman underscored every child’s right to life, dignity, security, and protection from abuse, exploitation, and violence. The ministry called on the authorities to conduct a prompt, thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation to identify those responsible and ensure accountability under the law.
MIPA also extended its condolences to the victim’s family and community and pledged to support efforts to establish the truth and pursue justice.
Child welfare council calls for impartial investigation
The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), in a press statement dated October 27, also called for justice for the 10-year-old Indigenous girl and urged investigators to handle the case with urgency while respecting due process.
CWC Executive Director V, Undersecretary Angelo M. Tapales, said the investigation must establish the circumstances surrounding the child’s death without compromising the family’s privacy or exposing the victim to further harm through public speculation.
“When a child loses her life under circumstances that remain under investigation, we must pursue justice while ensuring that her dignity and the privacy of her family are respected,” Tapales said.
The council emphasized that Indigenous children are entitled to equal protection, access to justice, and the support necessary to uphold their rights and dignity.
It also urged journalists and the public to follow the CWC’s Guide for Media Practitioners on the Reporting and Coverage of Children, which promotes responsible reporting, protection of children’s identities, avoidance of sensationalism, and respect for the best interests of the child.
The CWC said cases involving child abuse, violence, and other child-protection concerns may also be reported through the MAKABATA Helpline 1383.
The available contact channels are:
- Call: 1383
- Smart: 0919-354-1383
- Globe: 0915-802-2375
- Email: makabatahelpline@cwc.gov.ph
- Social media: MAKABATA Helpline 1383 on Facebook and Instagram
Investigation continues as officials seek accountability
As of October 27, police had not publicly announced an arrest or identified a confirmed suspect. Investigators continue follow-up and intelligence operations to establish what happened and determine who may be responsible.
Authorities have yet to release definitive findings on the cause and manner of death or confirm whether sexual assault occurred. These matters remain subject to the investigation and any relevant forensic findings.
The case has renewed calls for stronger safeguards against violence involving children, particularly those from Indigenous communities who must be afforded equal protection and access to justice.
For the victim’s family, the immediate demand is for answers and accountability. For investigators, the challenge is to establish the facts through evidence, protect the privacy of those affected, and ensure that any person found responsible is held accountable in accordance with the law.
Officials are urging anyone with credible information to report it directly to the South Upi Municipal Police Station rather than spread speculation online.
Justice for alias “Cyll” and protection for every child remain the central calls as the investigation continues.