Tragic Discovery in Toledo City: 12-Year-Old Girl Found Dead After 8-Day Search
A community in Toledo City, Cebu, is engulfed in profound sorrow following the heartbreaking discovery of a 12-year-old girl's body in a forested area. The tragic find on Thursday, February 19, 2026, brought a devastating conclusion to an intensive eight-day search for Grade 6 pupil Crystal Joy Lagaras Abarquez, who had been missing from her home in Barangay Poblacion since Wednesday, February 11.
Shocking and Disturbing Discovery
The search took a grim turn when resident Ronico Labador reported that his dog had retrieved an object emitting a foul odor, which was later identified as a severed human foot. This alarming discovery prompted Cabitoonan Barangay Captain Gerardo Lazarte to immediately alert the police. Responding officers conducted a thorough search along the boundary of Barangay Ibo and Barangay Cabitoonan, where they made the chilling find: the young girl's body was tied to a tree with a shoelace around her neck.
Her head was detached, and her body showed signs of advanced decomposition. The victim's mother, Christine Abarquez, identified her daughter through the jogging pants and necklace she was wearing, adding to the family's unimaginable grief.
Family Member Arrested in Connection with the Case
In an effort to reconstruct Crystal's final moments, investigators reviewed closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage. The video revealed Crystal riding on a motorcycle driven by her 27-year-old cousin, Rowell Lagaras Villapina Jr. Authorities swiftly arrested Villapina, a mechanic, at his residence in Barangay Bato. Despite his arrest, Villapina has denied any involvement in her death and claimed he had participated in the search for the missing girl.
Police disclosed that the suspect has a history of illegal drug use and previous incidents involving young girls. His grandfather, Nicolas Lagaras, provided further insight, stating that Villapina had been on maintenance medication for a mental condition since age 15 and had exhibited noticeable changes in behavior. The victim's remains have been sent for an autopsy and DNA testing to determine the precise cause of death.
Local Leaders Demand Justice and Offer Support
In response to this deeply disturbing incident, local leaders are stepping forward to support the grieving family and demand accountability. Toledo City Mayor Marjorie “Joie” Perales expressed her shock and vowed that the case would not be overlooked. She announced that the City would cover the victim's funeral and burial expenses and committed to reviewing the city's peace and order measures, noting that approximately 100 police officers are tasked with securing Toledo City's population of around 230,000.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro also pledged to order a thorough investigation and meet with police officials to ensure justice is served. She extended her sympathy to the family and linked the killing to the province's intensified campaign against illegal drugs. Baricuatro highlighted the tragic timing, as the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children had convened on February 19, just hours before news of the child's death reached her.
A Mother's Unwavering Promise for Justice
For Christine Abarquez, the pain of losing her daughter without a proper goodbye is beyond comprehension. She shared that it was Crystal's habit to always ask permission before going out, but on February 11, she allegedly failed to do so, leaving her mother unaware of her whereabouts. Now, the family is resolute in their pursuit of justice, with Christine vowing, "We will really pursue the case. We will fight for my daughter. We will really fight for her because she won't be coming back."
As police continue their investigation and await medical test results, Toledo City remains in a state of shock and mourning. The community stands united behind Crystal Joy's family, advocating for justice and hoping this tragedy will lead to enhanced protections and safer environments for all children.
