Dead body found in Abra mountains during military operation; Identity still unknown

ABRA, Philippines – A lifeless body was discovered by government troops during law enforcement support operations in the mountainous areas of Abra on Friday, August 7, with authorities still working to establish the victim's identity and determine the circumstances surrounding the death.

According to the 5th Infantry Division (5ID), the body was located with the help of a K9 dog assisting the law enforcement and tracking teams. Authorities have yet to disclose the exact location where the cadaver was recovered.

As of 11:31 a.m. on Friday, the 5ID said they were still verifying the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the person's death.

“Isinasagawa na ang kaukulang koordinasyon at proseso upang matukoy ang pagkakakilanlan ng nasawi at ang mga pangyayari sa kanyang pagkamatay,” the 5th Infantry Division said.

The discovery came just three days after government forces recovered the remains of three suspected members of the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) during pursuit and clearing operations in Barangay Bonglo, Licuan-Baay, Abra, on August 4.

The 5ID reported on August 7 that the bodies of two slain insurgents—identified as alias "Chico/Abdul" and Eugene Hilaus, alias "Aki/Ken/Dina"—have already been turned over to their respective families.

Meanwhile, the remains of the third fatality, Jony Escobilla, are still at Saint Michael Funeral Homes as government authorities coordinate the transport of his body to Mindanao, where his family is waiting to receive his remains.

The military has not yet confirmed whether the newly discovered cadaver is connected to the recent armed encounters in Abra or to any other incident. Authorities said further verification and investigation are underway to establish the victim's identity and determine the cause of death.