‘Alcohol consumption and fear of being exposed seen as cause behind killing of toddler in Natonin, Mountain Province’ - MPPO initial investigation finds

NATONIN, Mountain Province – Authorities revealed that alcohol consumption and fear of being exposed allegedly led to the fatal attack on a 3-year-old girl in Natonin, Mountain Province, after two minors reportedly admitted involvement during the ongoing investigation.

According to the Mountain Province Police Provincial Office (MPPO), as cited by local news outlets, the two boys, aged 12 and 8, who were initially identified by Lt. Col. Apdilon Chiday Galong, allegedly consumed two and a half bottles of an alcoholic beverage before deciding to return home. Along the way, they reportedly encountered the victim.

During the follow-up investigation, authorities received information that the two minors had been seen behind Banawel Elementary School (BES) on May 23, the same day and in the same area where the victim was last seen. This prompted investigators to question them regarding the incident.

Authorities later visited the home of the 12-year-old boy to verify his whereabouts. He initially denied involvement and claimed that he had been at school.

However, police said the child later allegedly admitted involvement after his mother became suspicious when he repeatedly asked questions about the case. The family then informed authorities. During the investigation, the older boy also identified the 8-year-old as his alleged companion.

Based on the investigation, the older child allegedly instructed the younger boy to call the victim and bring her behind the St. Martin de Porres Chapel (SMPC) in Sitio Batnong, Barangay Banawel.

The 8-year-old initially refused but later complied after allegedly being threatened by the older minor. Investigators said the older child allegedly abused the victim and later struck her with a piece of wood out of fear that the incident would be exposed, resulting in the toddler’s death.

To recall, 3-year-old Zephyrra Thea “Duma” Basacoy was reported missing on May 23 after accompanying her grandmother to a barangay gathering at BES in Sitio Batnong, Barangay Banawel.

After an overnight search, she was found lifeless behind the chapel the following morning. Authorities later determined that she died from traumatic brain injury.

Meanwhile, the two minors, identified as Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) under Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, underwent medical examinations before being turned over to the custody of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO)-Natonin for proper disposition.

Based on the assessment conducted by the MSWDO, the 12-year-old was recommended for intervention proceedings, while the 8-year-old was returned to the custody of his parents under supervision.

As of writing, authorities said the investigation and legal processes remain ongoing.