Missing Igorot rapper from Bugias, Benguet found dead in canal

Buguias, Benguet – An Igorot rapper from Buguias, Benguet, who had been missing for three days, was found dead by his wife in a canal near their garden on May 31, 2026.

The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed by police, was a 36-year-old resident of Deccan, Baculongan Sur, Buguias.

According to an initial report from the Buguias Municipal Police Station, as cited by local media outlets, the victim's wife went to their garden on the morning of May 31 after her husband failed to return home for three days.

While applying fertilizer in the area, she reportedly noticed a body lying in a canal. She immediately recognized the victim as her husband based on the clothes he was wearing.

The wife promptly alerted authorities, who responded to the scene and launched an investigation.

Investigators reportedly observed injuries on the victim’s face, prompting authorities to consider the possibility of foul play.

Further investigation revealed that the victim had reportedly been drinking with several companions at a hut in his garden on May 28, three days before his body was discovered.

Several liquor bottles and other pieces of evidence were recovered from the hut as part of the ongoing investigation. Police have also identified persons of interest in the case.

Authorities are exploring money as a possible motive and are also examining whether a misunderstanding may have occurred between the victim and the individuals who were reportedly with him before his death.

However, the exact circumstances surrounding the victim’s death have yet to be established.

Investigators are currently awaiting the results of the autopsy, which may help determine the cause of death and provide additional details regarding the incident.

The public is urged to refrain from sharing photos related to the case or posting the identities of possible suspects on social media, as doing so may compromise the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, GURU Press Cordillera sought additional information from the Buguias Municipal Police Station. However, authorities declined to release further details, citing the ongoing investigation.

This is a developing story.