Missing Tapaz businessman found dead in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon and Felipe V. Celino

TAPAZ, Capiz — A businessman reported missing in Tapaz, Capiz, was found dead three days later in Calinog, Iloilo, police said.

Police identified the victim as a resident of Barangay Carida, Tapaz, known by the aliases “Jovic” and “Djobic.”

Authorities listed his age as 41 in one report and 43 in another.

Police said his body was found floating in a river in Barangay Barrio Calinog at about 8 a.m. on Dec. 27.

Reports said he left home the morning of Dec. 24, riding a Honda motorcycle, and did not return.

His wife, “Juvelyn,” reported him missing to police on Christmas Day and asked the public to help locate him.

Police said the motorcycle, with its key and personal belongings inside, was found parked on the approach to a bridge near the Jalaur Promenade Park area in Calinog’s poblacion.

Juvelyn later confirmed the motorcycle was the same one her husband was riding when he left, reports said.

Police said a note addressed to Juvelyn was found in the motorcycle’s utility box.

Police Major Myles Dieron, Calinog police chief, said he was not privy to the letter’s contents, but the victim apparently wrote why he did what he had done.

Investigators said closed-circuit television camera footage showed the victim parking the motorcycle in the late afternoon of Dec. 24, then later jumping from the bridge at about 6:59 p.m.

Based on evidence gathered, investigators from Tapaz and Calinog said they saw no indication of foul play in the death.

Dieron said the Tapaz Municipal Police Station is leading the investigation, with coordination from Calinog police.

Juvelyn said the couple had no major fight that would have led her husband to do what he did, and they have one daughter.

Reports said Juvelyn also declined an autopsy.

Relatives said the victim had been experiencing depression before his disappearance.

If you or someone you know needs help, mental health support is available through the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 1553 or 0919-057-1553 and 0917-899-8727.