Toledo City Mayor Offers Solace to Grieving Mother After Tragic Discovery of 12-Year-Old Girl
In a heart-wrenching display of compassion, Mayor Marjorie "Joie" Perales of Toledo City personally comforted Christine Abarquez, the mother of a 12-year-old girl found dead in a remote wooded area. The victim, identified as Crystal Joy Lagaras Abarquez, a Grade 6 student, was discovered eight days after she was reported missing, with her body bound to a tree trunk and in an advanced state of decomposition.
Discovery of the Victim in a Remote Border Area
The tragic discovery occurred around 5:00 PM on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in a secluded location at the border between Barangay Ibo and Barangay Cabitoonan in Toledo City. Authorities were alerted after Cabitoonan Barangay Captain Gerardo Lazarte contacted the Toledo City Police Station about finding human remains. Upon investigation, police located the victim's body, which was nearly unrecognizable due to severe decomposition, with the head separated from the neck and tied with a shoelace.
Emotional Account from the Victim's Mother
Christine Abarquez, overwhelmed with grief, expressed disbelief at the fate of her daughter, who she said was often accompanied by a cousin. She recounted that her child typically sought permission before going out, but on the day she went missing, February 11, 2026, she did not do so, leaving the family unaware of her whereabouts. "We will fight for her. We will fight because she cannot come back," the mother cried out, directing her anguish toward the suspect and hoping for justice within the prison system. She positively identified her daughter through distinctive jogging pants and a necklace.
Investigation Leads to Arrest of Suspect
Through backtracking of CCTV footage, authorities identified the victim riding a motorcycle driven by Rowell Lagaras Villapaña Jr., a 27-year-old mechanic, who has been named as the primary suspect in the murder. Police swiftly conducted a follow-up operation, apprehending Villapaña at his residence in Barangay Bato, Toledo City. During interrogation, Villapaña firmly denied involvement in the crime, maintaining his innocence despite the evidence gathered.
Community and Official Response
This incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting concerns over safety and justice. Mayor Perales's intervention underscores the city's commitment to supporting affected families during such tragedies. The case remains under active investigation as authorities work to uncover further details and ensure accountability for this heinous act.
