Investigations reveal that a traumatic head injury caused the death of a 15-year-old boy found by the roadside in Barangay Balud Lilo-an, Zarraga, Iloilo.
Local reports later indicated that two minors were identified as persons of interest and taken into custody in connection with the incident, which reportedly stemmed from an earlier dispute.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo, Police Major Beverly Cataluña, chief of the Zarraga Municipal Police Station, stated that based on the autopsy results, the injury was likely sustained from a punch.
The victim, a resident of Barangay Talauguis, Zarraga, was found on Monday, August 31, past 6:00 AM.
According to the chief, a swollen area the size of a fist was observed at the back of the boy’s head, and Cataluña suggested the injury could have been sustained one to three days prior, with the boy possibly enduring the pain before his death.
The chief added that authorities are currently reviewing the boy’s activities before he was found lifeless, focusing on potential altercations.
Once sufficient evidence is gathered, a case will be filed against those responsible, according to the official.
On the day he was discovered, the boy had scratches on his knees and fingers, but no other clear external injuries were evident to explain his death.
The minor’s grandmother previously stated that her grandson was struck on the nape the previous week, but they did not know which student was responsible for that earlier incident.