TAGUM CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE — Police are investigating the discovery of suspected human skeletal remains in a mangrove area in Purok 25, Garinan, Barangay Madaum, Tagum City, after a resident reportedly came across the bones while collecting seashells and mud crabs.
The remains were discovered within a property of Hijo Resort Corporation, according to the police report.
Police identified the person who discovered the remains only as alias “Jeffrey,” a 43-year-old resident of the area. He was reportedly collecting seashells and mud crabs in the mangrove area when he noticed what appeared to be skeletal remains.
Jeffrey immediately alerted authorities, prompting personnel of the Tagum City Police Station to proceed to the area and conduct an ocular inspection.
Investigators documented and examined the location as part of the initial investigation. The circumstances surrounding how the remains came to be in the area, as well as the identity of the person to whom they belonged, remain undetermined.
Police said the recovered bones have been subjected to forensic examination. The examination is expected to help establish whether the remains are human and, if confirmed, assist authorities in determining the identity of the deceased and other relevant details.
The recovered skeletal remains were brought to Rubio Funeral Service for temporary safekeeping and proper disposition while authorities await the results of the forensic examination.
Police have not yet released information identifying the remains or linking them to any missing-person case. Authorities are continuing their investigation and are expected to provide further details once forensic findings become available.
The discovery has also prompted investigators to examine the surrounding area for additional evidence or remains that could help establish what happened.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have information relevant to the discovery, particularly those familiar with possible missing-person cases in the area, to coordinate with the Tagum City Police Station.
For now, police are treating the case as an ongoing investigation, with the identity of the remains and the circumstances surrounding their presence in the mangrove area still awaiting official determination.