TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — A 72-year-old man who worked as a caretaker of a gold laboratory was found dead inside the facility in Quirante II, Barangay Magugpo Poblacion, Tagum City, on Sunday morning, September 20, 2026.
The Tagum City Police Station identified the victim as alias “Julito,” who was reportedly serving as caretaker of the gold-processing facility.
Police said the victim was discovered at around 9:22 a.m., already lifeless and lying on the floor inside the laboratory. Blood was reportedly found near the victim, while chemical burns were observed around his mouth and face.
Responding personnel from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) attended to the scene. However, the victim was no longer showing signs of life and was not transported to a medical facility.
Investigators recovered near the victim an empty gallon container believed to have previously contained muriatic acid. Authorities said the chemical was reportedly being used in the facility’s gold assay process.
The presence of the chemical has prompted investigators to consider possible chemical exposure as part of the circumstances surrounding the death. However, authorities have not publicly established that muriatic acid exposure was the cause of death.
The Davao del Norte Provincial Forensic Unit (DNPFU) conducted an initial forensic examination of the scene. Based on the investigation so far, authorities reported finding no apparent signs of foul play. The victim’s personal belongings were also reportedly found intact, with no indication from the initial investigation that they had been taken.
Authorities are now advising the victim’s family to have his remains subjected to an autopsy to establish the exact cause and manner of death.
The incident remains under investigation as authorities await further forensic and medical findings.
Authorities have likewise urged the public to exercise caution when handling hazardous chemicals, particularly in workplaces where substances such as acids are used as part of industrial or laboratory processes.