“Abal-abal”hunter found dead in Abra River after 3-day search

Langiden, Abra — The body of a 56-year-old man who went missing while gathering June beetles, locally known as abal-abal, was found floating along the bank of the Abra River in Sitio Cauggan, Barangay Mabungtot, Langiden on June 8, ending a three-day search conducted by his relatives and local authorities.

The victim was identified as Juder “Pute” Pemado of Zone 4, Bangued, Abra. He was reported missing on the evening of June 5 after failing to return home, prompting family members and residents to launch a search operation.

Initial investigation revealed that Pemado had joined other residents in gathering abal-abal, a seasonal delicacy in Abra that emerges at the onset of the rainy season.

According to the Langiden Municipal Police Station, the Municipal Tactical Operations Center received a call from a concerned resident at around 1:43 p.m. on June 8, reporting that a lifeless body had been spotted floating near the riverbank in Sitio Cauggan.

Authorities immediately responded to the scene and coordinated with the victim's relatives and residents of Barangay Mabungtot, who later identified the body. During the retrieval operation, responders found Pemado floating face-down in the river.

Investigators also noted that his slippers were tucked into his back pocket, a detail that suggests he may have been attempting to cross the river when the incident occurred.

As of this writing, authorities have yet to determine the official cause of death as the investigation remains ongoing.

Meanwhile, according to a social media post by Mhie Tim Ciervo, a niece of the victim, Pemado's ashes have been brought home and will be laid to rest on June 22, 2026.