A decomposing body of a young man was discovered inside a septic tank in Matina Gravahan, Barangay 74-A, Matina Crossing, Davao City early Tuesday morning, May 12, 2026, prompting an intensive investigation by authorities amid suspicions of foul play.
According to initial reports from the Philippine National Police, the incident was reported at around 5:36 a.m. after residents noticed a strong foul odor coming from the area. Personnel from the Ecoland Police Station immediately responded to the scene following the report.
Authorities later confirmed that the body of a male victim was found concealed inside a septic tank in New Matina Gravahan. Investigators believe the victim may have been dead for at least four days before the gruesome discovery.
In an interview, Barangay Matina Crossing Kagawad Lourence Cañada said he was contacted by the Special Operations Group (SOG) at around 7:00 a.m. to serve as a witness during the investigation.
Cañada said the caretaker of the house where the septic tank was located first became alarmed after smelling what appeared to be the odor of a decomposing body. Upon tracing the source of the smell, the caretaker allegedly discovered the remains of a young man hidden inside the septic tank.
The caretaker reportedly told authorities that he had seen the victim alive days earlier but did not personally know him, leading investigators to initially describe the victim as a young male adult.
Police said the victim was found wearing a jersey and shorts. Disturbingly, investigators also discovered that the victim’s hands were handcuffed while both feet were tied with rope, further strengthening suspicions that the killing was deliberate and brutal.
PMaj. Edisson Fiesta, station commander of the Ecoland Police Station, said initial findings suggest that the victim may have been killed elsewhere and later dumped inside the septic tank in an attempt to conceal the crime.
Due to the advanced state of decomposition, authorities have yet to establish the identity of the victim. The remains were subsequently transferred to a local funeral parlor for examination and possible identification procedures.
Police are now conducting a deeper investigation into the incident while pursuing possible suspects through ongoing hot pursuit operations.
Authorities are urging anyone with information that may help identify the victim or shed light on the killing to coordinate with the nearest police station as the investigation continues.