Police investigate discovery of body in Barangay Metebagao as forensic personnel process the scene and authorities seek the victim’s identity
KITAOTAO, Bukidnon — An unidentified man was found dead with his hands and feet bound, his face covered, and multiple injuries on his body in a drainage canal in Barangay Metebagao, Kitaotao, Bukidnon, on Wednesday, October 21, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The body was discovered in Purok 8 after a resident reportedly noticed a foul odor coming from a canal in a secluded part of the barangay. The discovery raised concerns about a possible violent crime, although authorities have yet to establish the circumstances and cause of the man’s death.
According to initial accounts circulating in the community, the victim’s hands were tied with electrical wire, while nylon rope was used to bind his feet. A black T-shirt reportedly covered his face, obscuring his eyes, and his body and face bore multiple bruises and wounds believed to have been inflicted by a sharp object.
The condition of the remains reportedly suggested that the man may have been dead for several days before he was discovered. However, the exact time of death has not been officially established and remains subject to forensic examination.
The victim’s identity had not been confirmed as of the latest available information. Authorities have also not publicly established a motive, identified any suspects, or announced arrests in connection with the incident.
Police, forensic personnel conduct investigation
In a press statement, the Kitaotao Municipal Police Station condemned the discovery and said it was conducting an in-depth investigation to identify the victim, determine the cause and circumstances of his death, and establish who may have been responsible.
The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) and the Bukidnon Provincial Forensic Unit assisted in processing the crime scene and collecting evidence that could help investigators reconstruct the incident.
The recovered remains were reportedly brought to the Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Maramag for post-mortem examination. The findings of the examination may help determine the nature of the injuries and provide additional information relevant to the investigation.
Police have not yet disclosed further details about the evidence recovered from the scene or whether investigators have identified leads that could help establish the victim’s identity.
Public urged to help identify victim
The Kitaotao Municipal Police Station appealed to residents, particularly those in Barangay Metebagao and nearby communities, to report any information that could help identify the deceased or lead to those responsible for his death.
A Facebook appeal posted by an account identified as Mar also sought public assistance in locating and contacting the victim’s family.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Kitaotao Municipal Police Station. Authorities said information provided by the public would be handled with appropriate care and respect for the ongoing investigation.
The case remains under investigation. Until forensic findings and other evidence establish what happened, the circumstances of the man’s death, the motive behind the suspected killing, and the identities of any persons involved remain undetermined.
Police reiterated their condemnation of violence and said they would continue working to protect the community, enforce the law, and pursue justice for the victim.
The Mindanao Sentinel will update this report as verified informa