DATU PAGLAS, Maguindanao del Sur – A gruesome discovery shocked residents of Barangay Malala on Saturday morning, October 4, after a man’s body was found stuffed inside a drum and dumped near a river in Sitio Panag.
Police identified the victim as Ramil Sabdullah, also known as “Ukot,” a laborer and resident of Purok 7, Barangay Damawato, in the same town. Family members confirmed his identity, saying he had been missing since October 2 and could no longer be contacted after leaving home.
According to initial police investigation, the body was wrapped in tarpaulin and bore multiple stab wounds in different parts of the body, indicating the victim had been tortured before being killed. A fisherman first discovered the drum after noticing a foul odor emanating from it and immediately reported the matter to authorities.
Police Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) processed the area and recovered pieces of evidence that may help establish the motive and identify the perpetrators. Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of death pending the results of the autopsy.
The Sabdullah family is now crying for justice, calling on law enforcement to swiftly bring those responsible for the brutal killing to account.
The case adds to the growing list of violent incidents in Maguindanao del Sur, a province long troubled by killings linked to personal grudges, land disputes, and other crimes.
The PNP Datu Paglas Municipal Police Station has launched a deeper investigation and vowed to pursue all leads to resolve the case.