MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — A 49-year-old woman who was reported missing after leaving her home shortly after midnight Sunday was found dead in the Sawaga River in Purok 8, Barangay 9, Malaybalay City, on Monday morning, September 7.
The victim was identified by her family as Bebing Mier, a resident of Purok 6, Barangay Casisang, Malaybalay City.
Police said they received a report of a body floating in the Sawaga River at around 6 to nearly 7 a.m. Monday. Responding personnel went to the area and later established that the woman was the same person who had been reported missing the previous day.
Mier was positively identified by her children and husband, Eduardo Mier, who confirmed that the body belonged to his wife.
According to the victim’s family, Mier was last seen at their home shortly after midnight on September 6. She reportedly told her family that she was going to urinate but did not return.
Her disappearance prompted members of her family to seek public assistance through social media, asking anyone who might have seen her to immediately contact them.
In the appeal, the family said Mier had a mental health condition and was taking maintenance medication. They also said that she had previously left their home without informing the family, although she would usually go to the house of relatives.
Her family further disclosed that before her disappearance, Mier had allegedly made statements about jumping from a bridge. According to her child, she had mentioned such an intention as early as Friday, September 4.
Her husband likewise told authorities and media that it was not the first time Mier had suddenly left their home.
Police are looking into the circumstances surrounding her death. Investigators reportedly noted injuries to her head and fractures involving her limbs, prompting authorities to consider the possibility that she may have fallen or jumped from a bridge. However, the circumstances and exact cause of her death remain subject to investigation and appropriate medical or forensic examination.
The discovery ended the family’s search for Mier but left them preparing for another difficult task—the funeral arrangements and her final interment.
Her remains were subsequently brought to a funeral home while the family made arrangements for her wake and burial.
The case also underscores the importance of taking statements about self-harm seriously and ensuring that people experiencing a mental health crisis are not left without support. Families who notice warning signs are encouraged to seek immediate assistance from trusted relatives, health professionals, emergency responders, or local authorities.
Authorities have yet to release further details on the investigation and the official determination of the cause of death.