ISABELA CITY, Basilan — A 26-year-old man who was reported missing after allegedly leaving with an unidentified individual was found dead on Monday afternoon, four days after he was last seen, prompting an ongoing police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The victim was identified as Albaser Zabala, a resident of Purok 3, Barangay Cabunbata, Isabela City.
According to information released earlier by the Isabela City Police Station, Zabala was reported missing after he allegedly left his home on Thursday with a man who reportedly told him they only needed to talk. His family said that after leaving with the unidentified individual, Zabala never returned home.
Alarmed by his disappearance, relatives immediately launched their own search, checking places where he was believed to have gone and seeking information from acquaintances. However, they were unable to determine his whereabouts.
As the search intensified, the family discovered Zabala’s motorcycle abandoned in Barangay Lumbang a day before his body was recovered. The discovery deepened concerns over his safety and raised questions about what had transpired after he was last seen.
On Monday afternoon, authorities confirmed that Zabala’s lifeless body was found in Barangay Balatanay, Isabela City, ending the family’s four-day search in tragedy.
Police have yet to determine the cause of Zabala’s death. Investigators are currently conducting a thorough investigation, including gathering evidence and interviewing potential witnesses, to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any individuals who may have been involved.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether foul play has been officially established, pending the results of the ongoing investigation and medico-legal examination.
The Isabela City Police Station has appealed to the public to cooperate with investigators and urged anyone with information that could help shed light on the case to immediately coordinate with the nearest police station.
The death of Zabala has sent shockwaves through his community, with residents expressing hope that authorities will swiftly uncover the truth behind the incident and ensure that justice is served if criminal liability is established.
Police assured the public that all possible angles are being pursued as the investigation continues. No arrests have been announced as of this writing.