Laak, Davao de Oro – A community in Barangay Poblacion, Laak, Davao de Oro is in deep grief after the decomposing remains of a 15-year-old girl who had been missing for six months were discovered inside an abandoned house around 11:45 a.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025.
According to the Davao de Oro Police Provincial Office, the Laak Municipal Police Station received a report from a concerned resident, identified as Ruel Labadan, after he noticed a foul odor coming from the abandoned house located at Purok 3A. Upon checking, he found the decomposed remains of a young female and immediately alerted authorities.
Responding officers from the Laak MPS quickly secured the area and conducted an initial investigation. The victim was later positively identified by her mother, Evangeline Hebolingo Engada, as her missing daughter, who had been reported missing since April 17, 2025.
Due to the body’s advanced state of decomposition, police have turned over the case to the Provincial Forensic Unit (PFU) of the Davao de Oro Police Provincial Office for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
The tragic discovery has sent shockwaves throughout the town, with family members and neighbors expressing their heartbreak on social media. One relative wrote in a grief-stricken post, lamenting the loss of the girl whom they fondly called “Trudes,” saying they had long hoped for her safe return.
Another neighbor also expressed sorrow, recalling memories of the victim from childhood and urging those responsible to face justice. “Unsaon nato pagtuo nga mao gyud to siya, pero mao na gyud diay ang kamatuoran. Ang Ginoo magtan-aw sa mga dautang binuhatan ug kini pagasilutan,” the post read.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death. Police have not ruled out foul play as they await the results of the medico-legal examination.
The community, still reeling from the grim discovery, is calling for justice for the young victim whose disappearance and death have left a deep wound among family, friends, and neighbors.