Pregnant Minor’s Body Found in Remote Zamboanga del Sur Village
PAGADIAN CITY, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR — The body of a pregnant minor was discovered in a remote area of Zamboanga del Sur, shedding light on a tragic case that has gripped the local community. The 16-year-old girl from Barangay Lison Valley was found in a secluded part of neighboring Midsalip town ten days after her family reported her missing.
Erna Cuevas Andawas, eight months pregnant, had followed her live-in partner, 20-year-old Raffy Macalitong Landawon, who had left Pagadian City on June 11 to return to his home in Purok 2, Duelic village, local officials said. Despite her attempt to reach Landawon, Andawas never made it to his residence.
Remote Location Delays Discovery
Her body was located around 1 p.m. on Saturday in a grassy, forested area of Purok 2, Barangay Duelic. Authorities noted the body was already decomposing when found. The area is extremely remote; it requires a 30-minute drive from Midsalip town proper followed by a grueling three-and-a-half-hour trek on foot, making the search and rescue operation difficult.
According to investigators, Landawon claimed he was unaware that Andawas had followed him to Barangay Duelic on June 11. He said he only found out about her presence when he returned to Barangay Lison Valley on June 16. After discovering she was missing, he promptly reported it to the barangay chairperson.
Family and Community Response
Andawas’ father, Arnold Andawas, was actively involved in the search for his daughter, expressing deep sorrow over the tragic outcome. Health workers from the Midsalip Rural Health Unit examined the body and reported that the victim suffered severe head trauma consistent with a fall from a height, indicating a head-first impact.
No signs of foul play were observed on the body, according to the nurse who conducted the initial examination. Police have recommended an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death but are awaiting the family’s consent before proceeding.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
A team of responders and police escorted the remains back to Barangay Duelic, where they were handed over to the victim’s family. Local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, hoping to provide answers to a grieving community.
This heartbreaking case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by pregnant minors and the challenges of reaching remote rural communities in the Philippines.
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