Horror in Cebu: Missing 12-Year-Old Girl Found Headless, Tied to a Tree in Toledo City — Cousin Now a Suspect
A gruesome discovery has shocked Toledo City, Cebu. Twelve-year-old Crystal Joy Lagaras Abarquez, a Grade 6 student who had been missing for eight days, was found dead — headless and tied to a tree with a shoelace around her neck — in a remote area near the boundary of Barangays Ibo and Cabitoonan on February 19.
The grim discovery began when a resident named Ronico Labador noticed his dog had brought home a foul-smelling object, which turned out to be a human foot. He immediately reported it to barangay officials, who alerted police. Officers combed the area and found Crystal's decomposing body. Her severed head was found nearby. Her mother, Christine Abarquez, identified her daughter through her jogging pants and necklace.
Police have invited 27-year-old Rowell Lagaras Villapina Jr. — Crystal's own cousin — for questioning after CCTV footage showed him riding a motorcycle with the girl as a passenger on the day she disappeared. Villapina denied any involvement and claimed he had even helped search for her. However, police noted he has a history of illegal drug use, prior incidents involving young girls, and has been taking medication for a mental condition since age 15.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro called the killing 'deeply distressing' and ordered police to conduct a thorough investigation. Toledo City Mayor Marjorie Perales vowed to pursue justice and said the city would cover funeral and burial expenses. She credited three confidential informants for helping police identify the suspect and locate the crime scene.
With roughly 230,000 residents and only about 100 assigned police officers, Toledo City's resources are stretched thin. Crystal's remains have been sent for DNA testing and autopsy to confirm her identity and determine the exact cause of death. Mayor Perales urged parents to closely monitor their children's activities. Rest in peace, Crystal Joy.
Source: The Manila Times
