LANTAPAN, Bukidnon — The body of a 65-year-old man who had been reported missing for eight days was discovered in an advanced state of decomposition along the Manupali River in Purok 5, Barangay Poblacion, Lantapan, Bukidnon on Thursday afternoon, May 8, 2026.
The victim, identified only by his alias “Momong,” was a resident of Purok 4 in the same barangay. Authorities said he was identified through the reunion shirt he was wearing, reportedly used during a gathering in Davao City.
According to the initial investigation conducted by the Lantapan Municipal Police Station (MPS), a concerned citizen reported the sighting of a lifeless body at around 4:20 p.m. Police officers immediately responded to the area and confirmed the discovery of the cadaver along the river.
Personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Lantapan, led by SFO3 Anthony A. Salinas, Officer-in-Charge and Municipal Fire Marshal, also rushed to the scene to assist in the retrieval operation together with responders from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), barangay officials, and Community Volunteer Organizations.
Investigators learned that the victim had allegedly climbed a tree to harvest honey from a beehive when he accidentally lost his footing and plunged down a steep slope before landing in the river below.
Authorities believe the victim may have died due to the accidental fall, noting that no signs of foul play were found on the body.
The Rural Health Physician of Lantapan who examined the cadaver reportedly concluded that the cause of death was consistent with injuries sustained from an accidental fall.
Responders described the body as already being in a severe state of decomposition upon retrieval. The cadaver reportedly emitted a foul odor and had maggots present on the face and other parts of the body. It was also found entangled in bamboo and partially submerged in the water of the Manupali River.
Police said the victim had already been listed as missing for eight days before his remains were finally discovered.
Following the retrieval operation, the body was turned over to a funeral service provider for proper disposition and burial preparations.
Authorities continue to remind the public to exercise extreme caution when conducting risky activities in remote and hazardous areas, especially near steep terrain and bodies of water.