LUTAYAN, Sultan Kudarat — What began as a search for a missing delivery driver in North Cotabato has ended in tragedy after authorities discovered his decomposing body inside a delivery van on April 13, 2026.
The victim was identified as Francisco Pascua Cadenas, an adult male working as a delivery van driver for Flash Express, contracted under L.A Logistics Services.
Cadenas had been reported missing since April 11, 2026, after failing to reach his destination in North Cotabato. According to initial reports, he departed from Bunawan, Davao City carrying parcels for delivery. However, the routine trip took a troubling turn when he made a distress call at around 8:55 a.m. that same day.
In his last known communication, Cadenas reportedly informed a contact that his vehicle had broken down in the vicinity of Tulunan, North Cotabato. After that call, all communication ceased, prompting concern from his family and employer and triggering search efforts.
Days later, authorities made a grim discovery in Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat. Inside the same white delivery van bearing plate number LAL 5619, owned by L.A Logistics Services, responders found the lifeless body of Cadenas already in a state of decomposition.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, raising serious questions about what transpired between his last call for help and the eventual discovery of his body. It is also yet to be determined how the vehicle ended up in a different province from where he was last reported.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched an ongoing investigation to establish the cause of death and determine whether foul play was involved. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough forensic examination and retrace the driver’s route to piece together the sequence of events.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the logistics and delivery sector, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by drivers who travel long distances, often alone and in remote areas.
As the investigation continues, the family of Cadenas is calling for justice, while authorities urge anyone with information regarding his movements prior to the incident to come forward.
Further updates are expected as the case develops.