Missing woman found dead near Dacao Dam in Pudtol, Apayao

PUDTOL, Apayao — The remains of Revelyn Balatoc, a resident of Barangay Mataguisi, were recovered near Dacao Dam on September 20, three days after she was reported missing.

Pudtol LGU, in their updates, said Balatoc was reported missing on September 17, prompting the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) to hold an emergency meeting and activate its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate the search.

During the meeting, Police Capt. Gemma A. Lummayung briefed the council on the initial investigation, while Balatoc’s family provided information on the circumstances before her disappearance. Barangay Mataguisi personnel were also mobilized to assist in the search.

MDRRMC Chairperson and Mayor Atty. Edmar D. Pascua directed the creation of Task Force Balatoc, composed of drone surveillance, two water search and rescue (WASAR), mountain search and rescue (MOSAR), EOC, and inter-municipal coordination teams.

A volunteer group also joined the search, while the Bureau of Fire Protection provided support.

Ground and drone search operations were conducted in Barangay Mataguisi, Dacao Dam and nearby bodies of water.

Balatoc’s remains were eventually recovered near Dacao Dam and turned over to SOCO–Apayao for appropriate procedures.

The municipal government said it will provide burial assistance and other support to Balatoc’s family.

Authorities have yet to release her age and official cause of death, pending the appropriate examination.

The LGU thanked the responders, barangay personnel, volunteers and others who participated in the search and appealed to the public to respect the family’s privacy and refrain from spreading unverified information.