An 18-year-old first-year college student was found lifeless at an ongoing house construction site in Barangay Tinaan, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, early Monday morning, 7 July 2025.

According to police, the young woman — who was a resident of the area and a student at the University of the Ilocos Philippines (formerly ISPSC) — was discovered by a 25-year-old local resident and construction worker who went to the site to clean up after a reported drinking session the previous night. While passing by the unfinished septic tank, he noticed the victim lying inside with no signs of movement and immediately called for assistance.

Responding personnel from the Sta. Maria Municipal Police Station arrived at the scene and coordinated with the City Forensic Unit of Candon City to process the area. The victim was officially declared dead by Dr. Roselyn Barasi, the Municipal Health Officer.

Initial investigation revealed that the victim had been drinking with friends the previous evening, starting around 6:00 PM and ending at about 10:20 PM. Authorities are continuing the investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding her death. A follow-up report is expected.