A heartbreaking incident has emerged from Tacloban City where a 12-year-old girl, identified by the alias "Amaya," died tragically in another case of alleged sexual abuse and gang rape.
Reports indicate that Amaya was attending a birthday party in Cavite East, Palo, Leyte, alongside her two female companions, when the alleged incident occurred.
In an interview, Amaya's mother provided a detailed account of the events leading to her daughter's tragic demise.
According to the mother, upon arriving at the birthday celebration, Amaya and her friends were observed consuming alcoholic drinks and were allegedly offered “Ulaping," a kind of local mushroom.
Following the celebration, Amaya's friends purportedly took her to a corner near Caibaan, but she did not return home directly.
Concern arose when Amaya returned home reportedly silent and lethargic. The girl’s continuous vomiting prompted her family to rush her to the hospital for emergency treatment.
Unfortunately, despite the swift action, Amaya succumbed to her condition just hours later at the medical facility.
An autopsy was later conducted on Amaya’s body, revealing alleged positive signs of sexual assault and further allegations of abuse.
The family of the victim is now calling for justice, urging authorities to investigate the unsettling events surrounding her death.
However, other children who attended the party have denied any involvement in the alleged gang rape.
According to alias Warren who celebrated the occasion, several boys who were present during the festivities asserted that they had no connection to the allegations made by Amaya's mother.
They emphasized that there were also four girls in attendance aside from Amaya and affirmed that the gathering was solely celebratory.
Warren recounted that the group escorted Amaya to a nearby area at around 5 AM on January 4, indicating their shared intention of ensuring she reached home.
Furthermore, he clarified that no food items like "Ulaping" were served to Amaya and other guests during the festivities.
These claims directly contrast with the statements made by Amaya's mother, reinforcing the ongoing confusion surrounding the incident.
Currently, investigations are still underway to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the case and the allegations of gang rape made by the victim's family.
Food poisoning
The Philippine National Police (PNP) had also issued a statement, stating that the tragic death of the 12-year-old girl is not linked to the allegations of gang rape.
According to the Palo Municipal Police Station, preliminary investigations suggest that food poisoning is a factor contributing to Amaya's death.
“Reports circulating on social media suggesting that gang rape was involved have been reviewed and deemed unsubstantiated,” the PNP stated in a recent release.
They confirmed that the attending physician determined the cause of death as hypovolemic shock due to severe dehydration, with food poisoning as a likely contributory factor.
Additionally, the mother of the victim attested in her sworn statement that Amaya had been admitted to the hospital on the night of January 4, due to severe dehydration leading up to her death.
The police are actively encouraging individuals with any information regarding the incident to step forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
“We are committed to conducting an exhaustive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding this case,” the PNP expressed.
As the family mourns the loss of their young daughter, they clutch onto the hope of justice being served.
Members of the community have also voiced their concerns and expressed their support for the family as they navigate this devastating ordeal.
The quest for truth and justice continues as authorities strive to uncover the details surrounding this deeply troubling event that has shocked the local area and raised concerns for the safety of children in their community.
Whether rape, poison, or both, the incident instilled fear in many parents and reminded the public of ensuring the safety of children especially in times when they are out of the safety of their homes.
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