ILOILO — Authorities are investigating the discovery of a burning human body in a vacant lot inside Green Meadows Subdivision in Barangay Ungka I, Pavia, Iloilo, early yesterday morning, April 29.
The disturbing discovery was reported at around 4:30 a.m. after residents noticed smoke rising from the area, initially mistaking it for a grass fire or burning garbage.
Romulo Parcon, 70, was among the first to notice the smoke coming from a nearby grassy area. Believing it was a small fire, he called his brother, Alladin Parcon, 48, for assistance.
The Parcon brothers, who live just a few meters from the area separated only by a wall, attempted to put out the fire, which they initially thought involved dry grass.
“Pasado na alas-4:30, gintawag ako sang magulang ko kay ga-jogging sila. Pagkakita ko, ga-kalayo na. Nagsinggit ako sa hinablos ko nga ‘buligi ninyo ko anay, basyahan ta tubig,’” Alladin said.
He recounted that after pouring water on the fire, they immediately noticed something unusual.
“Pagbuhos ko sang tubig, gulpi lang nag-iba ang kolor, daw green. Dayon nabahuan ko, kag paglantaw ko, tawo gali,” he said, adding that they immediately fled and sought help from a barangay official.
“Nagdalagan ako pauli kag dayon sa kagawad. Pagkatapos, napatay na ang kalayo kag wala na namon gin-tandog,” he added.
Alladin said they did not notice any gasoline or accelerant in the area but described a strong foul odor emanating from the scene.
“Sunog gid siya. Indi na makilala ang hitsura. Pati ang mga police nga nag-abot, indi man nila makilala,” he said.
He added that they did not hear any cries for help and did not see any passing vehicles or persons in the area at the time of the incident.
The body was found lying beside a wall within the subdivision, an area described as quiet and rarely frequented.
The remains were severely burned, making immediate identification impossible.
However, investigators recovered a wallet at the scene containing identification cards belonging to a certain “Frank Royce Apelo Barbaza,” reportedly a resident of Barangay Punta Tabuc, Roxas City, Capiz.
A cellphone and a power bank were also recovered near the body and are believed to belong to the victim.
Barangay Punta Tabuc captain Nestor Buenviaje confirmed that Barbaza is indeed from Roxas City, adding that the family has already been informed. As of press time, relatives were coordinating with the Pavia Municipal Police Station while awaiting official confirmation of the victim’s identity.
Police have yet to release further details, pending the results of the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) examination.
Authorities said they are conducting a thorough investigation, including interviews with witnesses and a review of possible closed-circuit television camera footage in the area to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police also launched a hot pursuit operation as they explore possible leads and motives behind the case, which they described as still unclear.
Officials emphasized that the information remains initial and subject to validation as the investigation continues./PN
