JASAAN, Misamis Oriental — A human skull was discovered in Barangay San Nicolas, Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, on Friday afternoon, September 19, prompting police and barangay authorities to launch a search operation for possible additional remains and evidence that could help establish the identity of the deceased.
The skull was found at around 5 p.m. in Purok 3, Talidhay Tapik, Barangay San Nicolas, by resident Rodulfo “Popong” Sandoval, who immediately reported the discovery to barangay authorities.
Personnel from the San Nicolas Barangay Council, led by Hon. Warren Manggo, together with police officers, responded to the area and secured the location for initial examination.
Authorities confirmed that the recovered remains were a human skull. As of the initial investigation, no other part of the body had been found in the immediate vicinity.
Police said a continuing search operation, in coordination with the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT), will be conducted to determine whether other human remains or objects that could serve as evidence are present in the surrounding area.
The search is expected to continue on September 20 as authorities work to establish how the skull came to be in the area and, most importantly, determine the identity of the person to whom it belonged.
The discovery has also drawn attention to the reported disappearance of a man from the same barangay on August 21, 2026. However, police and the missing man’s family have stressed that there is no confirmation at this point that the recovered skull belongs to the missing person.
Authorities are expected to rely on forensic examination and other available evidence to determine the identity of the remains. Investigators may also examine missing-person records, physical characteristics, dental information, DNA evidence, and any other relevant evidence, depending on what becomes available.
One possibility being considered is that the skull may have been moved to the area by dogs or other animals in the vicinity. However, police have not confirmed this theory, and it remains only one of the possibilities being considered as the investigation continues.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid spreading unverified claims about the identity of the remains while the investigation is ongoing.
The discovery remains under active police investigation, with the search operation expected to provide further information on whether additional remains or potential evidence can be recovered.
For now, the identity of the person remains unknown.