TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — A 71-year-old woman who had been missing for two days was found dead after apparently being swept away by a creek in Barangay Apokon, Tagum City, authorities confirmed on Saturday afternoon, January 3, 2026.
The victim was identified as Zenaida Villarin Plaza, a widow and resident of Purok 5, Reservoir Area, Barangay Apokon. Her body was discovered along a creek in Purok 7, Tarubang Area, after residents alerted authorities about a lifeless body lodged in the water. She was positively identified by her son, Eric Plaza.
According to a report from the Tagum City Police Station, Plaza had been reported missing since Thursday, January 1, 2026, at around 3:00 p.m. Family members disclosed that the elderly woman was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, raising immediate concern over her sudden disappearance. Earlier on the day her body was found, another son, Rusel Plaza, had even sought assistance from a local radio station to help locate his missing mother.
Police investigation revealed that the victim was last seen by neighbors gathering chili peppers along the edge of the creek near their area. Witnesses said she was warned not to go near the water, but she allegedly ignored the caution. Authorities believe she slipped, fell into the creek, and drowned after being carried by the current.
The police stressed that no foul play was found, and the cause of death was determined to be drowning. The remains were later brought to Freedom Life Funecare for proper disposition.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the risks faced by elderly individuals, especially those living with memory-related illnesses. Local officials once again urged families and neighbors to exercise heightened vigilance and care for senior citizens, particularly during the rainy season when waterways can become dangerously unpredictable.