Body Found in Mangroves Was Mentally Ill Missing Woman

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Police have identified the body found in a mangrove area in Barangay Tanag, Buenavista, Guimaras, on January 15 as that of Roselyn, a 20-year-old mentally challenged woman from Barangay Bacay, Dumangas, Iloilo.

Colonel Rhea Santos, chief of the Dumangas police, said a Dumangas police investigator contacted the Buenavista Municipal Police Station on Wednesday morning about the possibility that the body could be Roselyn’s.

The following day, Barangay Bacay officials Rolly Gregorio, the village secretary, and Barangay Kagawad Grace Perez traveled to Guimaras and confirmed the body’s identity.

Roselyn, who had a 3-year-old daughter, was reported missing at noon on January 12.

According to the barangay officials, Roselyn suffered from mental health issues and had previously exhibited suicidal tendencies. They said she attempted to drown herself the week prior but was rescued by residents.

After that incident, Roselyn reportedly stated she would try again.

Gregorio said Roselyn had been staying at his house for several months before moving to the barangay hall.

Both officials alleged that her parents, who also had mental health issues, were unable to care for her or her daughter.

The family, who relocated to the area in 2020, had no other relatives at the relocation site to support them.

The officials also said Roselyn had a habit of undressing and walking around the barangay.

On the morning she went missing, she was found sitting in a serviced vehicle at an auto repair shop in Barangay Jardin, Dumangas.

The shop mechanic sought police assistance to have her removed.

Police, aware of her condition, escorted her out of the shop and turned her over to Gregorio around 9 a.m.

Gregorio and Perez brought Roselyn to her parents’ house, but by noon, she was reported missing.

Three days later, a fisherman discovered her naked body on the shoreline in Purok Basyaw, Barangay Tanag.

Captain Rene Mercado, Buenavista police chief, said the body was already in an advanced state of decomposition.

The body was found in a prone position, with abrasions on different parts, but no signs of stab or gunshot wounds were observed during the initial examination.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.