MANILA — Authorities have ruled out foul play and sexual assault in the death of a 17-year-old girl whose body was found floating in the waters off Barangay Balud in San Fernando, Cebu, on Aug. 31, 2026.
The conclusion came after a forensic examination by the Regional Forensic Unit 7 determined through an autopsy that drowning was the cause of death. The findings addressed concerns raised by the victim’s family, who had initially suspected that she may have been killed or sexually assaulted.
San Fernando Police Station chief Police Major Timothy Jim Romanillos said the examination found no indications of sexual violence. Injuries observed on the girl’s body were attributed to impacts with rocks along the shoreline, apparently caused by strong waves rather than a violent confrontation.
A forensic doctor personally met with the girl’s parents and relatives to explain the medical findings and clarify the circumstances surrounding her death. The examination specifically found no evidence of rape.
The incident began when a fisherman reportedly spotted the girl struggling in the water. Because he did not have a boat, he was unable to immediately reach her in the deeper portion of the sea. He continued monitoring the situation as the current eventually carried her toward shallower waters.
Rescuers brought the girl to a hospital, but she was declared dead on arrival.
Police have appealed to the public to stop spreading unverified claims about the circumstances of the teenager’s death, saying such speculation could cause additional distress to her grieving family.
The forensic findings now establish drowning as the official cause of death and indicate that the injuries found on the body were consistent with contact with rocks and strong waves. The case also highlights the importance of relying on verified forensic and investigative findings rather than unconfirmed information circulating in the community.
