MAKILALA, Cotabato — A 20-year-old female student was found dead and already in a state of decomposition inside her boarding house in Purok 2, Sta. Catalina, Barangay San Vicente, late Thursday afternoon, 5 December.

According to the Makilala Municipal Police Station, authorities were alerted at around 4:40 p.m. after a concerned resident reported a foul odor coming from the victim’s rented room. Police have withheld the identity of the student pending notification of her family.

Responding officers found the victim lying lifeless on the floor. Neighbors told investigators that the woman was believed to be pregnant and had not been seen leaving her room since 2 December.

As the foul odor grew stronger and the student remained unseen for several days, a neighbor decided to check on her, leading to the discovery of the body.

Authorities have not yet determined whether foul play was involved. Scene of the Crime Operatives were called in to conduct a thorough forensic examination of the scene.

The Makilala police said the investigation is ongoing and that additional details will be released as soon as they become available.