LUPON, Davao Oriental — A 19-year-old woman was found dead near a creek behind her family’s home in Sitio Bislong, Barangay Marayag, Lupon, Davao Oriental, on Thursday morning, August 20, in a disturbing incident now under investigation by authorities.
The victim was identified as Mercilyn Saumat Udoyan, a resident of the area and reportedly a former student of Matigdao Elementary School.
Based on initial information gathered by the Brigada News Team in Mati, Udoyan was discovered lifeless at a creek located behind their house. She reportedly sustained a severe injury to the head, which authorities are investigating as a possible result of a blow from a rock or other hard object.
The circumstances surrounding her death, including whether she was assaulted at the location where she was found or brought there from another place, have yet to be established.
Initial information indicated that the incident may have occurred on Wednesday, August 19, when the area was relatively quiet. Many residents of Sitio Bislong were reportedly attending the Araw sa Sitio Tiombocan celebration in a neighboring sitio.
The absence of many residents from the area during the gathering is now part of the circumstances being looked into by authorities as they work to establish a timeline of events leading to Udoyan’s death.
Residents expressed shock and grief over the incident, describing Sitio Bislong as a generally peaceful community. A neighbor who posted a tribute to Udoyan online expressed anguish over her death and appealed for justice for the young woman.
The neighbor described the area as a place known for “kalinaw, kalipay, kapahulayan”—peace, happiness and rest—and said the incident had left residents fearful and deeply disturbed.
The same post identified Udoyan as a former student of Matigdao Elementary School and expressed regret that neighbors were unable to help her despite living nearby.
However, authorities have yet to publicly establish a motive or identify any person responsible for the young woman’s death.
Investigators are expected to examine the scene where Udoyan was found, gather statements from residents and other possible witnesses, and determine whether the head injury was caused by an assault. Forensic and medical findings will also be crucial in establishing the official cause of death.
Authorities are also working to determine the exact time the incident occurred and whether other individuals were present in the area when it happened.
As of the latest available information, no suspect has been publicly identified or arrested in connection with the case.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to determine what happened to Udoyan and, if foul play is confirmed, identify those responsible and bring them to justice.