A 10-year-old girl was found stripped and bleeding in a grassy area in Barangay Bal-ason, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental. Photo from Gingoog City Police Station

GINGOOG CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL - A 10-year-old girl was found dead, naked and bleeding in a grassy area in Barangay Bal-ason, Gingoog City, Tuesday morning.

The grade 5 pupil was walking home from school Monday when Ferlan Quiraban, 19, and his brother, 17 invited her to pick fruits nearby.

The brothers, who were friends with the victim, later raped and killed her.

According to the police, the victim's own underwear was used to strangle her to death.

The suspects are now detained at Gingoog City Police station.

The elder Quiraban insisted he had nothing to do with the crime, but the younger said otherwise. The latter claimed he only held the girl while his brother raped and killed the young girl.

Upon investigation, Police Inspector Marilyn Pimentel of Gingoog City Police WCPD, said both brothers raped the victim.

The younger suspect also admitted being a runner for shabu in the barangay.

The victim's family demands swift justice. The father described the victim as a loving, caring, and responsible daughter, who dreamed of working abroad someday to help the family.

The Quiraban brothers will face rape and murder charges. The 17-year-old suspect will be turned over to DSWD.