The remains of a 16-year old female student was found floating in the shore of barangay Poblacion in Santander town, southern Cebu, Sunday afternoon.
Police believed that Maria Teresa Tano committed suicide due to a slash wound on her neck.
A fisherman told police that he saw Tano make the sign of the cross while walking in the shallow waters.
PO3 Catherine Dumagay of Santander police precinct said the witness thought the girl only planned to swim but was doubtful because Tano wore a shirt and pants.
While the witness was busy getting shells in the shallow water, he saw the girl floating with her face down.
Though police were unable to find the sharp object used in slicing her neck, Dumagay said there were no signs of foul play. Initial investigation revealed that the victim had arguments with her 20-year old boyfriend from Santander.
The boyfriend also told police that Tano told him not to see her again in their last conversation. Tano’s bag was found in the mangroves.
Inside the bag was a sarong and a note that police believe was a suicide note. Her message in the letter is unreadable since it got wet.
Her remains lie at her relative’s house in barangay Poblacion, Santander town.
Tano’s family lives in a hinterland barangay in Oslob, southern Cebu.