Missing barangay tanod found dead inside septic tank in Roxas, Isabela

ROXAS, Isabela — The disappearance of a 40-year-old barangay watchman ended in a shocking discovery after his body was found inside a septic tank in a farmland area in Barangay San Placido, Roxas, Isabela.

The victim, identified by police as Alfonso Pigao, a resident of the barangay who served as a barangay tanod, had reportedly been missing before residents discovered his lifeless body inside the septic tank.

Residents reported the discovery to personnel of the Roxas Municipal Police Station, who immediately proceeded to the scene and found Pigao's body with a nylon rope wrapped around it.

Suspect surrenders

Amid the investigation, the 45-year-old caretaker of the farmland, identified in police reports as “Mario,” surrendered to authorities and reportedly admitted his involvement in Pigao's death.

According to a police report obtained by several national and local media outlets, Mario had been drinking with Pigao on August 5 when an argument allegedly broke out.

The altercation reportedly turned physical and resulted in Pigao's death. Mario allegedly tied Pigao's body and brought it to the septic tank, where it was later discovered.

Police said the suspect is expected to face a murder complaint, while investigators continue gathering additional evidence.

Family seeks justice

For Pigao's family, the discovery brought an end to days of uncertainty but opened a painful chapter as they prepare to lay their loved one to rest.

The family has appealed for justice, with Pigao scheduled to be laid to rest on August 10.

Not the first septic-tank discovery

The disturbing discovery in Roxas comes after similar cases in different parts of the country this year in which missing persons were later found hidden in or near septic tanks.

On January 30, 2026, Police Staff Sergeant Renato Casauay Jr., a 46-year-old anti-drug operative who had been reported missing for nearly a week, was found dead inside an unfinished septic tank in Barangay Mojon, Malolos City, Bulacan.

Investigators said a confrontation had allegedly preceded the shooting, after which the victim's body was reportedly dumped into the tank.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) declared the case solved by February after key suspects, including alleged gunman Julian Salamat, were captured or surrendered following a P1-million reward.

Just weeks later, on February 16, the remains of Maria Teresa “Tess” Mamac, the widow of a former barangay captain in Angeles City, were discovered near a septic tank beside a former piggery at her property.

Mamac had been reported missing days earlier.

The family's driver, Emmanuel Tolentino, who had gone missing alongside Mamac, later became a person of interest in the case.