Remains of Missing Teen Discovered in Septic Tank After Four Years
QUINNIE GRACE ARONG – Authorities have confirmed that the skeletal remains found in a boarding house at Purok 5, Barangay Apokon, Tagum City, Davao del Norte belong to the 17-year-old woman who went missing on March 4, 2020.
On July 14, 2024, the remains were unearthed while the property owner was digging to expand a septic tank. Workers were shocked to discover a human skull along with personal belongings, including a wristwatch, clothes, pants, shoes, and socks that Arong had worn. Investigators also found a rope, which was likely used to secure the sack containing her remains.
According to Tagum City Police Chief Lt. Col. Wildemar Tiu, the suspect, who has now been identified, pretended to be a photographer to lure young women with fake modeling offers. Investigations suggest that the suspect had bad intentions from the start.
Authorities are now working hard to build a strong case and ensure the suspect faces justice. Getting an arrest warrant is their top priority, and the police are moving quickly to make it happen. Lt. Col. Tiu also reminded the public, especially young women, to be cautious when dealing with strangers, particularly those making offers that seem too good to be true.
To recall, on August 23, 2022, the remains of Jovelyn Galleno, a 22-year-old criminology student from Palawan, were reportedly found. Jovelyn had been missing for several weeks after entering Robinsons Place Puerto Princesa. CCTV footage confirmed her entry into the mall, but no footage was available showing her exit, despite the presence of operational surveillance cameras at the entrances and exits. This raised concerns and suspicions among the public.
The local government coordinated with the mall management to locate her, but Robinsons Place denied any involvement, stating they had nothing to hide. Later, authorities discovered human remains in Purok Pulang Lupa, Brgy. Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa. Identification cards and other belongings found at the scene were confirmed by Jovelyn’s mother as hers. However, some netizens called for DNA testing to conclusively verify the identity of the remains.