By JEN BAYLON

Police have yet to identify persons of interest behind the killing of 15-year-old Pearl Joy Galve, while they ensure a comprehensive investigation into the crime.

Colonel Lymel John Pasquin, La Carlota City police chief, said while they continue to investigate the case, they have not yet determined who might be the suspects behind the incident.

Pasquin said their investigation is still in the early stages, and they have yet to pinpoint any suspects at this time.

The La Carlota police are working closely with the Bacolod City Police Office – Station 9 to ensure a comprehensive investigation into the case.

Their investigation includes retrieving footage from closed-circuit television cameras that will help them identify the perpetrator.

However, the process of gathering relevant footage is taking longer than expected due to the time since Galve went missing and the recovery of her body.

The La Carlota police are also awaiting the results of an autopsy conducted on August 15, which may offer important insights into the crime.

Earlier, Galve was found dead in the sugarcane plantation at Barangay Cubay’s Hacienda San Roque in Negros Occidental’s La Carlota City on August 14.

An initial investigation showed that Galve, a Grade 10 student from Sum-ag National High School, had been reportedly missing since July 29.

Wearing a white t-shirt, shorts and shoes, she was discovered by a worker from the hacienda on the plantation, approximately 700 meters from the main road.

Galve’s mother positively identified her body through her clothes and shoes.

Police said the victim was last seen alive in her school during the opening of classes on July 29.

She was reported missing by her family when she failed to go home.

The investigation is ongoing as police uncover the motive behind the incident./JB, WDJ