By JEN BAYLON

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Bacolod City has initiated a motu proprio investigation following the discovery of the decomposed body of a 15-year-old girl in Negros Occidental’s La Carlota City.

The body of Pearl Joy Galve, a Grade 10 student from Bacolod City’s Barangay Sum-ag, was discovered in a sugarcane field.

Her mouth was covered with duct tape, and her hands were bound behind her back.

According to Police Captain Michael Tuburan, commander of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) – Station 9, Galve was reported missing on July 29, based on a blotter report.

She was last seen attending a half-day class on the said date.

The police investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to determine the circumstances surrounding Galve’s death.

Meanwhile, Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez condemned “in the strongest terms” the “tragic and senseless death” of Galve.

Benitez also instructed the BCPO to thoroughly investigate the case and bring those responsible to justice.

“We will not rest until they are held accountable,” he said in a statement.

“In light of this tragedy, I urge our young people to exercise caution when interacting with others, especially those you do not know well. Always inform your family members or any trusted adult of your whereabouts,” he added./JB, WDJ