Missing woman found dead near Apayao dam

PUDTOL, Apayao — The remains of a woman who had been reported missing for three days were recovered near Dacao Dam in Apayao province.

The woman was identified as Revelyn Balatoc, a resident of Barangay Mataguisi, Pudtol, Apayao.

Balatoc was first reported missing on 17 September 2026, prompting the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) to activate its Emergency Operations Center. Pudtol Mayor Edmar D. Pascua established Task Force Balatoc to lead the operation. The task force deployed specialized units, including drone surveillance, water search and rescue, mountain search and rescue, and intermunicipal coordination teams.

Personnel from Barangay Mataguisi, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and local volunteer groups joined the ground and water search efforts along Dacao Dam and surrounding waterways.

Search teams located Balatoc's remains near the dam on 20 September 2026. The body was turned over to the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) Apayao for formal examination. Authorities have not released her age or cause of death pending the results of the investigation.

The municipal government confirmed that it will provide burial assistance and financial support to the family. Local officials expressed gratitude to the search teams and volunteers while requesting that the public respect the family's privacy and refrain from sharing unverified details surrounding the incident.