Family awaits autopsy results as son files case against alleged suspect; questions raised over reported lack of barangay and police records
PIÑAN, Zamboanga del Norte — A soldier is demanding justice for the death of his 61-year-old father, Faustino A. Lumanao, who was allegedly assaulted by a man identified only as Jessie in Barangay Desin, Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte.
Premo A. Lumanao, the victim’s son, said he could not accept his father’s sudden death, insisting that those responsible must be held accountable. He has reportedly filed a case against the alleged suspect and is awaiting the results of an autopsy conducted on his father as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
According to the account provided by the family, Faustino had recently sold copra and was staying at the residence of Danilo Del Monte, 56, who lives in the same barangay.
The report identified Del Monte as a witness to the incident. He allegedly saw the victim being tied up by the suspect, identified as Jessie, before Faustino’s head was reportedly struck, causing him to lose consciousness at around 4 p.m. on October 12, 2026.
The available account did not specify the circumstances that led to the alleged assault or establish the precise cause of the victim’s death. The autopsy results are expected to help clarify the medical findings surrounding the incident.
Family learned of death a day later
Premo said the family only learned of his father’s death on October 13, a day after the reported incident.
The delayed discovery has intensified the family’s demand for answers, particularly regarding the events that preceded Faustino’s death and the response of local authorities.
Premo also questioned why, according to his account, there was no corresponding barangay blotter entry concerning his father’s death and why the Philippine National Police (PNP) allegedly had no information about the incident at the time he raised his concerns.
He directed his criticism at the barangay leadership, questioning its ability to address serious problems within the community.
His remarks reflect the family’s frustration over what it perceives as a lack of immediate attention to the incident. However, the available information does not include an official response from the barangay officials concerned or an independent confirmation of the alleged absence of records.
Case filed against alleged suspect
Premo said a case had already been filed against Jessie, whom the family identifies as the alleged perpetrator.
The filing marks a step toward seeking legal accountability, although the specific charge and the current status of the complaint were not detailed in the available report. The allegations against the suspect remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
The family is awaiting the autopsy results, which may provide important medical evidence to help investigators determine the cause and circumstances of Faustino’s death.
Premo expressed appreciation for the response of the Piñan Municipal Police Station, describing the police as active and prompt in taking action on the case. He also thanked the 97th Infantry “Kalasaglahi” Battalion for its assistance.
The available report did not provide further details on the police investigation, whether the suspect had been arrested, or whether prosecutors had formally filed charges in court.
Demand for accountability
At the center of the family’s appeal is a demand for a thorough investigation and accountability for the death of a father they say was taken from them without sufficient reason.
Premo’s call also raises questions about how incidents involving alleged violent deaths are documented and reported at the community level. Establishing what happened will require a careful examination of witness accounts, forensic findings and the actions taken by the relevant authorities.
For the Lumanao family, the next steps include obtaining the autopsy results and pursuing the case through the appropriate legal process.
Premo’s appeal remains direct: he wants his father’s death investigated fully and those found responsible held accountable under the law.
The Mindanao Sentinel recognizes that the allegations against the named suspect have not been established as facts in court. The suspect is entitled to the presumption of innocence, and the barangay officials concerned should be given an opportunity to respond to the questions raised.