Police have arrested four suspects in connection with the killing of a 16-year-old student whose body was found in Bustos, Bulacan, days after she was reported missing, authorities said Wednesday.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the victim, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, was last seen on April 11, 2026, before being reported missing. Her remains were discovered on April 21 following a coordinated police operation based on witness accounts and investigative leads.
Personnel from the Bustos Municipal Police Station launched a hot pursuit operation that led to the arrest of one suspect, with three more apprehended in separate follow-up operations.
All four suspects, also residents of Bustos, are now in police custody. Authorities are preparing charges of rape with homicide for filing before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Malolos City.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the swift coordination among units but stressed the need for careful handling of sensitive cases.
“Ang ganitong insidente ay nangangailangan ng mabilis pero maingat na aksyon. Hindi tayo puwedeng magpabaya sa proseso, lalo na kung buhay at dignidad ang nakataya. We will continue to pursue the facts of this case with fairness and determination,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said the case falls under its Focused Agenda on Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which aims to improve response time and investigative coordination, in line with efforts to strengthen accountability in law enforcement.