GENERAL SANTOS CITY — A 48-year-old woman who was reported missing for several days was found dead in a grassy area near a pasture in Purok 28, Recville, Lower Vineyard, Barangay San Jose, General Santos City on Friday, May 8, prompting authorities to launch a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
The victim was identified as Nety Aquino Gomez, also known to relatives as “Ga-ga,” a resident of Malaya, Banga, South Cotabato who had been temporarily staying with her older sibling in Barangay San Jose, General Santos City.
According to reports, Gomez had been missing since the early hours of May 3 after allegedly leaving the house at around 3:00 a.m. and failing to return. Her disappearance triggered growing concern among relatives, who took to social media to seek help from the public in locating her.
In an emotional online appeal posted days before the discovery of the body, family members pleaded for anyone who may have seen Gomez to immediately contact them, saying they were deeply worried about her safety. The family also disclosed that the victim had reportedly been suffering from depression and mental health-related episodes prior to her disappearance.
Police Station 7 said they received a report at around 1:05 p.m. on May 8 from a concerned resident, identified as Noly Gapusan, regarding the discovery of a decomposing body in a grassy portion near a pasture area in Barangay San Jose.
Authorities, together with duty investigators, immediately responded to the scene to verify the report. The body was later positively identified by the victim’s nephew, Rynmark Arquino Manjero, through the clothing worn by Gomez at the time she disappeared.
Investigators said a cowboy who was passing through the area reportedly discovered the body and immediately alerted authorities.
Recovered near the scene was the victim’s pink bag containing clothing, a cellular phone, and approximately P10,500 in cash. Police noted that all the belongings appeared intact and were later turned over to the victim’s relatives.
Despite this, investigators have not ruled out the possibility of foul play after initial observations at the scene reportedly showed signs that warranted deeper examination. Authorities have yet to disclose specific details pending the results of the ongoing investigation and post-mortem examination.
The remains of Gomez were brought to Princes Funeral Services for autopsy procedures to determine the exact cause and time of death.
Police said tracking operations had already been conducted after the victim was formally reported missing by her uncle on May 4. After four days of searching, the grim discovery brought an end to the family’s desperate appeal for information.
Authorities continue to investigate whether the victim suffered a medical emergency while in the isolated area or if other circumstances contributed to her death.
The incident has sparked concern among residents in Barangay San Jose, particularly over the vulnerability of individuals suffering from mental health conditions and the need for immediate intervention and community support during missing person cases.