SANTA MARIA, Davao Occidental — Police authorities have ruled out foul play in the death of an 88-year-old woman whose body was discovered in a grassy area behind a bus terminal in the municipality of Santa Maria on Monday afternoon, January 5, 2026.
The elderly woman, earlier reported missing by her family, was found by two minors who immediately alerted authorities. The discovery drew a crowd of residents to the area as police secured the scene and conducted initial investigations.
In a statement, the Santa Maria Municipal Police Station confirmed that the victim’s death was due to natural causes, dispelling circulating reports and suspicions that the woman had been killed or stripped of her clothing.
Police said the victim was still wearing her duster when found and bore no visible wounds or signs of violence. This contradicted earlier claims that she had been found unclothed. Authorities also clarified that there were no indications of sexual assault or homicide.
According to the police report, the victim’s daughter said her mother left their home at around 9:45 a.m. on Sunday, January 4, but failed to return. Concerned family members searched for her until her body was discovered the following day behind the bus terminal.
The victim’s daughter further explained that due to her advanced age, her mother was prone to frequent falls. A bump observed on the victim’s head was believed to be the result of an accidental fall rather than an assault.
Based on the family’s account and the absence of suspicious circumstances, the victim’s relatives declined an autopsy, expressing strong belief that the death was purely natural.
Police reiterated their appeal to the public to avoid spreading unverified information, emphasizing that premature conclusions can cause unnecessary distress to the family of the deceased.
The case has been officially closed, with authorities confirming there was no criminal liability involved in the incident.