Woman, 69, found dead alone inside abandoned house in Santiago City

SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela – What began as a temporary refuge ended in tragedy after a 69-year-old woman was found dead alone inside an abandoned house in Barangay Dubinan East, Santiago City, on the morning of July 27.

The woman, identified by police only as alias "Letty," a resident of Barangay Sagana, Santiago City, was discovered at around 7:30 a.m. by a 60-year-old woman identified only as alias "Bising."

According to the initial investigation by the Santiago City Police Station, Letty had visited Bising two days before she was found dead. She reportedly chose to stay temporarily in the abandoned house.

When Bising checked on her that morning, she found Letty lying motionless on the floor beside a bed. She was already lifeless.

The incident was immediately reported to personnel of the Santiago City Police Station 2, who responded to the scene and coordinated with the City Forensic Unit for the examination and processing of the body.

Initial forensic findings showed no visible injuries on the victim's body.

Police are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of death and whether it resulted from a medical condition or other circumstances.

As of this writing, authorities have not released the official cause of death, pending the results of further investigation.

The incident recalls previous cases in Santiago City involving elderly residents who were found dead in different locations.

On June 6, 2024, a 68-year-old man was found dead in a vacant lot in Barangay Buenavista after leaving home and failing to return. His relatives had searched for him before his body was discovered. Police later learned that he had been suffering from hypokalemia, or abnormally low potassium levels, and eventually ruled out foul play.

In another case on September 23, 2024, a 77-year-old farmer was found dead in a rice field after going out to work. Police said he had a history of hypertension, which was considered a possible factor in his death. Foul play was likewise ruled out.

Unlike those earlier cases, investigators have yet to determine what caused Letty's death. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.