M’LANG, North Cotabato — A two-day search for a missing criminology graduate ended in tragedy after his body was discovered floating in a river in Barangay Macasendeg, Tugunan, Special Geographic Area–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (SGA-BARMM).
The victim was identified as Embran Anta, a criminology graduate and resident of Purok 2-A Avenue, Barangay Dungoan, M’lang, North Cotabato.
According to his family, Anta left their home at around 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, after informing them that he would travel to the municipality of Matalam, North Cotabato, to meet an individual regarding a planned motorcycle swap transaction. It was reportedly the last time his family saw him alive.
When Anta failed to return home and could no longer be contacted, his relatives became alarmed and immediately sought help from the public and authorities. A missing person alert was subsequently circulated online, including through the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Dungoan, urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward.
Family members said the last known information they received indicated that Anta had gone to Matalam in connection with a motorcycle sale or swap arrangement. However, after leaving for the meeting, all communication with him ceased.
Days later, hopes of finding him alive were shattered when residents and authorities discovered his body floating in a river in Barangay Macasendeg, Tugunan, SGA-BARMM.
The grim discovery has sparked grief and outrage among family members and residents, with many calling for justice and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
In an emotional social media post, Anta’s sibling, Nhor Anta, expressed the family’s heartbreak and frustration over the incident.
“Sana kinuha n’yo na lang ‘yung motor at CP niya at pinauwi siya,” the sibling wrote, lamenting the apparent violence that may have led to the victim’s death.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the case and are currently pursuing leads to determine what transpired between the time Anta left home and the discovery of his body.
Based on initial information, investigators are looking into the possibility of foul play. There are indications that the victim may have been harmed elsewhere before his body was disposed of in the river. Authorities are also working to identify and locate the last person or persons known to have met with Anta in connection with the motorcycle transaction.
As of this writing, no suspects have been publicly identified, and the exact cause of death has yet to be officially released pending further investigation.
The incident has raised concerns over the risks associated with private buy-and-sell transactions arranged through informal channels, prompting renewed calls for individuals to exercise caution when meeting strangers for vehicle sales or exchanges.
Meanwhile, Anta’s family continues to mourn the loss of a young man whose life was cut short under mysterious circumstances, while appealing for justice and accountability for those responsible for his death.
Authorities have urged anyone with information that could help solve the case to immediately coordinate with the nearest police station or investigating unit.