LIBONA, Bukidnon — Police are intensifying their investigation into the death of a woman whose decomposing body was discovered in a creek within a pineapple plantation in Barangay Poblacion, Libona, Bukidnon, after authorities identified a person of interest (POI) believed to have been among the last individuals seen with the victim before her disappearance.
The victim, initially unidentified when her remains were found on Monday afternoon, August 3, was later identified by her family as Frescila “Fritz” Quijada, also known as “Jessa.” She was an adult woman with a live-in partner, employed by Del Monte Philippines Inc. (DMPI), residing in Poblacion, Libona, and originally from Misamis Oriental.
Body discovered in creek
According to the Libona Municipal Police Station (MPS), officers received a report from a concerned citizen at approximately 3:40 p.m. regarding a body found in a creek located in Field 11, Bugtungan, Purok 6, Barangay Poblacion.
Police, led by PCPT Erwin James D. Tabequero, Officer-in-Charge of the Libona MPS, immediately responded to the scene.
Initial investigation revealed that the body was first discovered by two DMPI maintenance workers identified as Kent Jay, 28, and Mark Christian, 43, while they were in the area.
Authorities found the victim already in an advanced state of decomposition, lying in the middle of the creek inside the pineapple plantation.
Investigators initially estimated the woman to be 35 to 40 years old, approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall, with a medium build. She was found without clothing and bore tattoos bearing the words “ALPHA KAPPA RO” and “Janfrit,” details that later helped in identifying her.
Family identifies victim
Following an appeal by police for relatives of any missing woman matching the victim’s description to come forward, the family was able to positively identify the remains. The body has since been released to the victim’s relatives.
Police have not yet disclosed the circumstances surrounding her death pending the results of a medico-legal examination.
Person of interest identified
In an interview, PCPT Tabequero confirmed that investigators have already identified a person of interest in the case.
According to the police chief, witnesses, including neighbors of the victim, stated that the individual was the last person seen with Quijada on July 24, more than a week before her body was discovered.
Investigators are now working to determine the movements of both the victim and the POI in the days leading up to her death.
Police are also looking into why no missing person report was filed despite the victim reportedly not being seen for nearly two weeks.
Autopsy ordered
Because the victim’s remains were already in a decomposed state, the Libona police have requested an autopsy to determine the exact cause and manner of death.
Authorities said the medico-legal examination will be crucial in establishing whether the victim was subjected to violence before being abandoned in the creek.
The investigation remains ongoing as police gather additional evidence and interview witnesses.
Social media accusations not yet verified
Following the identification of the victim, her sister posted on social media alleging that a man identified as “Melvin Lura” was responsible for Quijada’s death and urged the public to report him to the police.
However, authorities have not officially confirmed the identity of any suspect, and no arrest has been announced as of this writing.
Police reminded the public that while a person of interest has been identified, the investigation is still ongoing and any allegations circulating on social media remain unverified unless confirmed through official legal proceedings.
Authorities continue to encourage anyone with information that could help solve the case to coordinate with the Libona Municipal Police Station.