Decomposing Body of Pregnant Teen Found in Isolated Area of Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur

By Sherman Calotes | Philippine People's Press 

Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur – A 16-year-old girl from Pagadian City, eight months pregnant, was found lifeless and in a state of decomposition in a remote forested area of Barangay Duelic, Midsalip, on the evening of June 21, 2025.

Authorities identified the victim as Erna, a resident of Lison Valley, Pagadian City. According to the Midsalip Municipal Police Station (MPS), her remains were discovered at around 9:09 PM in Purok 2, Barangay Duelic an isolated site with no cellular signal and a 3.5-hour hike away from the barangay proper.

Responding to a report from a local barangay official, personnel from Midsalip MPS, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), and the Rural Health Unit (RHU) rushed to the scene. Initial findings indicate that the victim’s father, identified as Arnold, found her body earlier at around 1:00 PM that same day.

According to investigators, the victim was last seen on June 11 when her live-in partner, Raffy, 20, returned to Duelic from Lison Valley. Approximately 35 minutes after his arrival, Erna reportedly followed him on foot but never made it to the destination. Raffy reported her missing five days later, on June 16, to the barangay chairman of Lison Valley.

A medical assessment from RHU officials cited severe head trauma consistent with a fall from elevated terrain as the cause of death. Authorities noted that there were no indications of foul play at the scene.

Midsalip police coordinated with the Provincial Forensic Unit to process the area; however, the lack of accessibility forced them to abort crime scene operations. An autopsy has been recommended, pending consent from the victim’s family.

The incident remains under investigation.

— Philippine People's Press
Source: PD ZSPPO – PRO 9