Malaybalay City, Bukidnon — A burned body of a man was discovered past 6:00 AM today, July 22, 2025, in Purok-4B, Barangay Aglayan, Malaybalay City, prompting alarm among local residents and an immediate response from authorities.
According to the Bukidnon Provincial Police Office, concerned residents reported the incident after seeing a man engulfed in flames. Upon arrival, police confirmed the individual had already succumbed to the fire.
Police Major Jayvee Babaan, spokesperson of the Bukidnon PNP, said that while initial findings point to a possible suicide, authorities have not ruled out foul play. “There were no indications of physical injury that could directly point to homicide, apart from the extensive burns,” he said.
Recovered near the crime scene were personal items believed to belong to the victim, including a coin purse, pieces of paper, and a plastic bottle suspected to have contained gasoline. An Android cellphone was also found several meters away from the body.
Police believe the recovered items could help establish the victim’s identity and possibly the motive behind the incident.
While suicide is being considered as a primary angle, the possibility that the victim was killed elsewhere and later burned at the scene has not been discounted. The investigation remains active to determine the true circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
Authorities are appealing to the public, especially to families who may have a missing male relative, to coordinate with the Malaybalay City Police or the Bukidnon PPO.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.