Philippines police have found the remains of a 12-year-old girl at the former home of an Australian man who is already facing charges of rape and cybercrime.



The body was discovered in a house once rented by Peter Gerald Scully, 51, in Surigao City in the country's north.

Scully's former partner, a Filipina woman, reportedly told authorities he accidentally killed one of his victims in 2013.

The Philippines National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director, Angelito Magno, told the ABC forensic experts were working to determine the cause of the death and the DNA makeup of the deceased.

The discovery came a few days after Scully was arrested and charged with sexually abusing young girls and uploading videos of sexual acts online.

Mr Magno said more charges would be laid against the Australian and the case was expected to quickly proceed to the courts.

He said Scully would not be granted bail and could face life in prison if found guilty.

"Local police and even some Australian counterparts are saying that this is probably one of the worst kind considering alleged rape, torture and physical abuse and now the alleged killing of a minor," Mr Magno said.

Police believe the remains are of a 12-year-old girl who has been missing for many months.

The NBI chief said the girl's parent initially allowed Scully to take the victim into his home to make her "study and at least give her a better life".

Australian arrested for trafficking, sexually abusing girls

Authorities allege Scully lured girls to his house promising education and food and then forced them into sex, according to the reports.

He was arrested at his rented house in Malaybalay City after a three-week police stakeout, local online news site Rappler reported.

Police said Scully had been under investigation for online pornographic activities after he was tracked by authorities in the Netherlands.

Scully, who has been living in the Philippines since 2011, was charged with human trafficking and child pornography last year but had evaded arrest.

He is wanted in Cagayan de Oro over accusations he sexually abusing seven girls, including a one-year-old, police said, according to reports.

Earlier, Mr Magno told Rappler Scully gained "their trust as he is broadcasting his activities on the internet".

He added Scully "performs sexual acts according to his client's instructions".

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said the Government was aware an Australian man had recently been arrested in the Philippines on suspicion of having committed a number of "serious criminal offences".

Consular staff at the Australian embassy in Manila have been in contact with the man to offer him the standard consular services that are available to Australians who are arrested overseas," spokesman Samual Allen said in a statement.

"We will not be providing further details due to privacy considerations."

Australian police have been involved in the case.

Philippines police believe the Australian is also facing charges in other countries related to child sexual abuse and fraud.