Davao de Oro, Philippines — A decomposed body, identified as a 21-year-old female, was discovered along the riverbank in Purok Nangka, Barangay Pangi, Maco, Davao de Oro, on October 4, 2024, around 1:00 PM. The remains were found after three minors playing near the river detected a foul odor and uncovered the body. They immediately informed their aunt, who alerted barangay officials.
Maco Municipal Police, led by PLTCOL Ranel B. Marquizo, responded to the report. Upon arriving at the scene, authorities confirmed the female body was in an advanced state of decomposition.
Initial investigations revealed the body to be Marian Ponce Perez, a resident of Barangay Taglawig, Maco. Her live-in partner, Edcil Sabala Duazo, 26, positively identified her. Perez had been missing since September 7, 2024, after being swept away by rising river waters while crossing with Duazo and their three-year-old daughter between Purok 4A, Magdum, Tagum City, and Barangay Taglawig.
The remains of Perez were transferred to Rubio Funeral Homes in Visayan Village, Tagum City, Davao del Norte, for proper handling. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.
