The year was barely two days old when a family lost their teen-age girl who raped and killed her while under the influence of liquor. The 14-year-old girl was a third year high school student and a resident of Barangay Quinoguitan, Loboc town. Insp. Antonio Gujilde, Loboc PNP chief, identified the suspect as a certain Joel Meligorio, 22, a native of Camayaan, Butuan City but residing in Quinoguitan at the time of the crime. Gujilde said the incident took place in the afternoon of Jan. 2 not far from the barangay chapel.

The victim was found several hours after she failed to return home while on an errand. She was only requested to buy hog feed by her parents who became apprehensive when there was no sign of her. The victim was immediately rushed to the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital but she expired at 9:40 pm on Jan. 3 owing to the injuries that she sustained during the assault. Meligorio was arrested by pursuing policemen while waiting to board a vessel bound for Butuan about 11 am that day.

The suspect admitted that he committed the crime saying he was very drunk when it took place. He said he waited for the victim and grabbed her when she was close enough. He gagged her mouth to prevent her from shouting then punched her stomach before raping her. After he was through, the suspect said he dropped the victim on a cliff so her body will not be seen by passers-by. The suspect was traced after a passenger who identified him relayed the information to barangay councilor Franklin Limbago. Limbago in turn immediately alerted the Loboc PNP who immediately launched a pursuit operation. A case for rape with homicide is now being prepared for filing against the suspect. The victim's parents expressed hope that justice will be obtained and that the suspect will be made to punish for his crime.