Three men were recently arrested in connection to the alleged gang rape and murder of a five-year-old girl in Barangay Malingin, Bago City, Negros Occidental.

Authorities identified the suspects as 60-year-old Job Villanueva; his son, 40-year-old Glenn Villanueva; and 50-year-old Zadly Caspe, all neighbors of the victim.

The family of the victim, who police refused to name, believe the suspects are behind the crime as the elder Villanueva was charged with similar offenses in the past.

Earlier this week, Bago City police found a body inside a buried sack around 20 meters from the victim’s residence. Initial reports said the victim died from asphyxiation after the suspects allegedly twisted the minor’s neck.

A medical report is ongoing to verify if the victim was indeed raped.

The three currently murder charges./JJA, WDJ