CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental — A 27-year-old member of the Citizen Armed Auxiliary (CAA) assigned to the 58th Infantry Battalion was found dead in a remote area of Claveria, Misamis Oriental, two days after he was reported missing, with authorities investigating the possible involvement of suspected Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members in the killing.
The victim, identified only by his alias “Joey,” was an active CAA member assigned to the Sitio Kalhaan Detachment under the 58th Infantry Battalion. His lifeless body was discovered near a creek in Sitio Impadiding, Barangay Minalwang, Claveria, on June 8.
According to reports, the Claveria Municipal Police Station (MPS) received information about the discovery of a body at around 1:00 p.m. on Monday. Police personnel immediately coordinated with the Claveria Rural Health Unit (RHU) and the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) to verify the report.
However, responders were initially unable to approach the exact location due to reports of the presence of armed individuals in the area. Concerned about the safety of the retrieval team, local authorities sought assistance from the 58th Infantry Battalion.
A joint retrieval operation was subsequently conducted, leading to the successful recovery of the victim’s remains at approximately 8:00 p.m.
Preliminary Findings
Medical personnel from the Claveria Rural Health Unit who examined the body indicated that the victim may have died from asphyxia, or deprivation of oxygen. Initial findings also suggested that the victim had been dead for approximately two days before his body was recovered.
Authorities have yet to release the final autopsy report as investigators continue to gather evidence surrounding the circumstances of the death.
Last Seen During Hunting Activity
Police investigation revealed that on June 6, Joey and three companions traveled to Sitio Impadiding for a deer-hunting activity.
While in the area, the group reportedly encountered four armed men carrying high-powered firearms. According to Joey’s companions, they recognized some of the armed individuals and believed them to be associated with a Communist Terrorist Group operating in the region.
The incident was reportedly relayed to authorities following the encounter.
Witness accounts indicated that the armed men allegedly took Joey with them while allowing his three companions to leave unharmed.
One witness further claimed to have seen the victim being physically assaulted by some of the armed individuals before the witness fled the area for safety.
When Joey failed to return home, his family and colleagues reported him missing. The search ended tragically two days later when his body was discovered near a stream within the same sitio where he was last seen.
Investigation Ongoing
The Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion have launched a thorough investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the victim’s death and identify those responsible.
Authorities are currently pursuing leads based on witness testimonies and intelligence reports, including allegations linking the suspects to the Communist Terrorist Group.
Military and police officials condemned the killing and assured the public that all efforts are being undertaken to bring the perpetrators to justice.
As of this writing, no arrests have been made, and authorities continue to gather evidence to establish accountability for the crime.
The incident adds to ongoing security concerns in remote areas of northern Mindanao, where government forces continue to monitor the activities of armed insurgent groups while conducting operations to ensure the safety of local communities.