Teen girl found lifeless in Tarlac; police probe death

• The lifeless body of a 17-year-old girl was found near a levee in Barangay Cardona, Gerona, Tarlac, on the morning of July 7, 2025, prompting an immediate police investigation

• Authorities are actively working to determine the cause of the teenager's death, exploring all potential factors, including the possibility of foul play

• Following the discovery, the Gerona Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) issued a public warning, particularly advising minors to avoid going out at night, especially during bad weather

• Gerona Police are appealing for any information from the public that could assist in their ongoing investigation to provide clarity on the unsettling incident

The body of a 17-year-old girl was discovered near a levee in Barangay Cardona, Gerona, Tarlac, on the morning of Monday, July 7, 2025, prompting a local police investigation into the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death.

The grim discovery was made by joggers in the area, who immediately alerted authorities.

The victim was later identified as a resident of Barangay Villa Paz, Gerona. Authorities noted that she was dressed in a t-shirt and shorts when her body was found.

As of now, the cause of the teenager's death remains undetermined, with local police diligently working to piece together the events that led to the tragic outcome.

Investigators are examining all possible angles to ascertain if foul play was involved or if there were other factors contributing to her demise.

The discovery has prompted a cautionary reminder from local officials regarding public safety, especially during nighttime hours and inclement weather.

Lino Diamsay II, Operations Chief of the Gerona Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), issued a public advisory.

" Yung below 18 years old, huwag na silang lumalabas sa gabi, lalo na po kapag umuulan, para makaiwas tayo sa anumang kapahamakan o anumang sakuna na maaaring mangyari sa kanila sa gabi," Diamsay emphasized in a statement.

His warning underscores the general hazards that can arise, particularly for minors, in potentially isolated areas like levees during unfavorable conditions.

The presence of a body in a public area often raises questions and concerns within a community. While the investigation is still in its early stages, authorities are expected to conduct a thorough examination, including a forensic analysis, to determine the exact cause of death.

Such cases often involve reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas, interviewing potential witnesses, and gathering any evidence from the scene that could provide crucial leads.

The Gerona Police are appealing to anyone who might have information regarding the incident or who may have seen the victim in the hours leading up to the discovery of her body.

Community cooperation is often vital in solving cases of this nature, as even seemingly minor details can contribute significantly to the ongoing investigation.

The incident serves as a stark reminder for residents to remain vigilant and prioritize personal safety, particularly young people, in line with the DRRMO's advisories.

The local government and police are committed to ensuring a swift and comprehensive investigation to provide answers to the victim's family and the community, bringing clarity to the circumstances of this unsettling discovery in Gerona.

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable. In some cases, crime stories also become viral due to their gravity. There are also cases that would often gain national attention.

In other news, an 80-year-old mother was found dead from stab wounds in Malasiqui, Pangasinan, allegedly at the hands of her 39-year-old son, who subsequently took his own life with the same weapon. The son reportedly exhibited signs of deteriorating mental health, prompting his elderly mother to move into his home for care and companionship weeks before the incident. The murder was uncovered when a concerned sibling, initially denied entry, returned with other family members to find the mother deceased and the son later found lifeless nearby. The incident starkly illustrates the severe challenges faced by families dealing with untreated mental health crises, particularly in areas with limited access to specialized care and support systems.

Still in other news, Joshua Mondejar, 22, was rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on July 8 while trying to swim the Iloilo Strait to Guimaras, marking his second dangerous attempt in just over two months. Mondejar's motivation for the hazardous swim was his strong desire to return to his family in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, despite residing in Iloilo City. The PCG emphasized the extreme risks of swimming the Iloilo Strait, citing its heavy maritime traffic, strong currents, and the significant distance, all of which make such attempts highly dangerous. The rescue operation was launched swiftly after a report that Mondejar was clinging to wood while attempting the crossing, highlighting the Coast Guard's crucial role in ensuring maritime safety.

Source: KAMI.com.gh