VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — Authorities are conducting a thorough forensic investigation after the skeletal remains of an unidentified person were discovered in a mountainous area of Purok 7, Barangay Catumbalon, Valencia City, on the morning of August 4, 2026, with investigators now looking into the possibility that the remains belong to a 19-year-old laborer who had been missing for more than three weeks.
The skeletal remains were found scattered across the area, indicating that the body had been exposed to the elements for an extended period. Near the bones, investigators recovered a violet jersey shorts and a brief, clothing that led authorities to initially believe the victim was male.
Shortly after the discovery, the father of a missing 19-year-old resident of Purok 5, Barangay Lumbo, identified only by the alias “Jojo,” came forward, saying the clothing found near the remains closely matched what his son was wearing on the day he disappeared.
According to the father, his son went missing on July 12, 2026. He said he was unaware that his son had left their home while he was away. Upon returning, he noticed that the teenager was no longer in the house. Concerned, he asked neighbors, who told him that the young man had been seen heading toward the Pulangi River.
The father immediately searched for his son and eventually caught up with him along the riverbank. He pleaded with the teenager to return home, but the young man allegedly refused.
Instead, according to the father’s account, the 19-year-old jumped into the river while telling him, “Dili na ko mouli sa atoa” (“I will no longer return home.”).
That was the last time the family saw him alive.
Since then, relatives had continued searching and hoping for his safe return until the skeletal remains were discovered in Barangay Catumbalon, raising fears that the remains could belong to the missing teenager.
Investigators from the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) processed the scene and conducted an initial forensic examination. Based on the preliminary assessment, authorities said they found no immediate indications of foul play. However, they emphasized that the exact cause and manner of death cannot yet be determined from the initial investigation alone.
To scientifically establish the identity of the victim, the skeletal remains have been subjected to forensic examination and DNA testing. Authorities said the DNA analysis will be compared with samples from the family to determine whether the remains are indeed those of the missing 19-year-old.
Police continue to investigate all possible circumstances surrounding the case while awaiting the results of the forensic analyses.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation as the investigation remains ongoing, stressing that the victim’s identity and the circumstances surrounding the death will only be confirmed after the completion of the DNA examination and other forensic procedures.