BACOLOD City – The decomposing body of a woman was discovered in Estefania Proper, Barangay Estefania, around 1 p.m. on July 1.
Police Major Elmer Bonilla, commander of Bacolod City Police Station 4, said the body was initially reported by a father and son who were scavenging in the area.
According to Bonilla, the body was found lying face down with the upper and lower garments still intact.
However, in a separate interview, a witness identified only as alias “Gino,” who was among the first to see the body, gave a different account. He claimed the woman was discovered with her legs spread apart, her upper garment pulled up, no underwear, and one arm raised. He estimated the victim to be around 20 years old, standing approximately 5’3” to 5’4” tall.
Authorities suspect the victim is female, based on the contents of a bag found near the body. The bag reportedly contained women’s personal belongings. Other pieces of evidence were also recovered by Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO).
Due to the advanced state of decomposition — mostly reduced to skeletal remains — investigators believe the body had been at the site for more than two weeks, complicating identification efforts.
Bonilla said the results of the postmortem examination may take time. Forensic samples will be sent to Camp Crame in Manila, as the SOCO units in both Western Visayas and Cebu lack the capacity to perform the necessary advanced testing.
As of press time, Bacolod Police Station 4 is appealing to the public for help in identifying the victim. They are urging anyone with missing female relatives to come forward and coordinate with the station.
The investigation is still ongoing as authorities also look into the possibility of sexual assault prior to the victim’s death./PN
