TWO minors, 12 and 8 yrs. old, identified as persons of interest in death of toddler in Natonin, Mt. Province

Natonin — Authorities have identified two minors, aged 12 and 8, as persons of interest in the death of a three-year-old child in Natonin, Mountain Province, following the victim’s discovery on the morning of May 24 after an overnight search operation.

The confirmation was made by Lt. Col. Apdilon Chiday Galong of the Mountain Province Police Provincial Office in an exclusive interview with iFM Baguio.

However, Galong withheld further details in compliance with the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.

The law protects children involved in criminal cases by focusing on rehabilitation instead of punishment. It also prohibits the public disclosure of minors’ identities, including their names and photos, to protect their privacy and rights.

To recall, three-year-old Zephyrra Thea “Duma” Basacoy was initially reported missing on the afternoon of May 23 at Banawel Elementary School in Sitio Batnong, Barangay Banawel, after accompanying her grandmother to a barangay gathering.

Following an overnight search operation conducted by authorities, family members, and residents, the child was found lifeless the following morning behind the St. Martin de Porres Chapel in the same area. She was rushed to the Anastacia Rafael Sagel Memorial Hospital in Poblacion, Natonin, but was declared dead due to traumatic brain injury.

As of writing, authorities have yet to release additional details regarding the persons of interest and the circumstances surrounding the child’s death, as the case remains under investigation in compliance with laws protecting minors involved in the incident.