MATI CITY, Davao Oriental — Authorities are investigating the discovery of an unidentified man’s body, which was found covered with palm fronds in Barangay Taguibo, Mati City, on Tuesday morning, October 13, 2026.
The body was discovered in the Hagdan area of Purok Paglaum by a passerby who was reportedly surprised to find the man’s remains deliberately covered with palm fronds. The circumstances surrounding the discovery have prompted authorities to investigate the incident and determine the cause of death.
According to the initial information, the victim was still wearing a black-and-white striped T-shirt, trousers, and shoes when his body was found.
Authorities also noted that the man had a tattoo on his arm, which could help investigators establish his identity. Police are continuing efforts to determine who the victim was and locate his relatives.
Personnel from the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO), together with the Mati City Police Station, have initiated an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the man’s death and determine whether foul play was involved.
As of the latest available information, the victim’s identity remains unconfirmed, and authorities have yet to disclose the cause of death. Investigators are expected to examine the scene and gather evidence that could help reconstruct the events leading to the discovery of the body.
The discovery of the body covered with palm fronds is among the circumstances investigators will need to examine. However, authorities have not yet established whether the covering was intended to conceal the body or whether a crime had occurred at the site.
Authorities are continuing their investigation as they work to identify the victim and establish the facts surrounding the incident.
Further details, including the victim’s identity and the official findings on the cause of death, remain pending.
The investigation is ongoing. No conclusion has been established regarding the cause or circumstances of the man’s death.