SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna – An eight-year-old Grade 3 pupil was brutally murdered in Barangay Santiago 2, this city, on Friday, Jan. 9.
Police identified the victim as Gianni Rick Nodero.
Investigation said Nodero was waiting for his father to take him to school when he suddenly disappeared. The victim’s family thought he had left for school as his bag
was left behind.A search was conducted and his bloodied body was found in a grassy area near a cave, about 50 meters away from the pathway connecting the victim’s home to the main road. He sustained hack wounds in different parts of the body. The area is secluded, with houses located far apart.
A reward totaling P150,000 has been offered for information leading to the identification of the child’s killer – P100,000 from the local government unit of San Pablo City and P50,000 from officials of Barangay Santiago 2.
San Pablo City Mayor Arcadio “Najie” Gapangada Jr. visited Nodero’s wake and condoled with his family. The mayor condemned the crime.
Police have a person of interest in custody. He is undergoing interrogation and authorities are determining if he is under the influence of drugs.
Nodero’s family said they could not think of anyone who would kill the boy.