A six-day search for a missing delivery rider in Koronadal City ended in tragedy after his decomposing body was discovered in a creek in Sitio Mani, Barangay Topland on Monday morning, May 26.
The victim was identified as Josef Velasco Piz, also known as “Oket,” 34, a bachelor, delivery rider, and resident of Purok Mabuhay, Barangay Mabini, Koronadal City.
According to the victim’s family, Piz was first reported missing on May 21 after he failed to return home. Relatives said he was last seen alive at around 1:00 p.m. on May 20 in front of their residence in Purok Mabuhay, Barangay Mabini.
In an effort to locate him, the family sought help through social media, circulating his photos and personal details while appealing to the public for information regarding his whereabouts. His disappearance was also formally reported to the Koronadal City Police Station.
After days of uncertainty, residents in Sitio Mani, Barangay Topland reportedly discovered a body in a creek on Monday morning. Authorities responding to the area found the remains already in an advanced state of decomposition, making initial identification difficult.
The victim’s father later personally confirmed that the body was that of Josef Velasco Piz.
The grim discovery brought heartbreak to the family, who had been desperately searching for answers since his disappearance nearly a week earlier.
Police authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of death. Investigators are continuing their probe to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether foul play may have been involved.
As of this writing, authorities have not released further details pending ongoing investigation and possible forensic examination.