Pavia burnt body likely missing nursing student

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Police said the charred body found in a subdivision in Pavia, Iloilo, could be that of missing nursing student Frank Rois Barbasa.

Investigators said they have found no indication of foul play and are looking into possible self-immolation.

The development came after Barbasa’s family was able to access his mobile phone by unlocking its password.

Capt. Ritz Field Presquito, Pavia municipal police chief, said the family was able to open the phone but declined to discuss its contents at the family’s request.

According to reports from various sources, the phone’s media gallery contained a video of the area where the body was found.

Barbasa appeared emotional while recording the video, reports said.

Police also tracked Barbasa to a gasoline station in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, where he bought gasoline before the incident.

Presquito said Barbasa’s family has claimed the body even without DNA test results.

The family identified the remains through secondary identifiers, including a burn scar on his left forearm.

Barbasa reportedly stood between 5 feet, 10 inches and 5 feet, 11 inches tall.

The burned body measured about 5 feet, 10.04 inches.

The family also noted that Barbasa owned boxer briefs similar to those found on the body.

A witness identified only as Allan, 48, of Zone 6, Barangay Ungka 1, Pavia, earlier told police that his brother saw what appeared to be a grass fire near the concrete wall of Green Meadows Subdivision in Barangay Ungka 1 around 4:30 a.m. April 29.

Allan’s brother scaled the wall to douse the fire with water. He then discovered that a human body was burning.

Police found a wallet, a power bank, and a mobile phone on the other side of the fence.

The wallet contained a student driver’s license and a vaccination card bearing the name Frank Rois Barbasa.

MISSING PERSON?

Further investigation showed that Barbasa, 22, had also been reported missing.

Barbasa was a graduating nursing student at the University of San Agustin.

He was from Barangay Punta Tabuc, Roxas City, Capiz, and was temporarily staying at his aunt’s house in Barangay Caingin, La Paz, Iloilo City.

Police established that Barbasa left home at 5:03 p.m. April 28 after booking a Grab car.

He arrived at his friend’s house in Mandurriao at 5:34 p.m. and left his bag there.

At 7:40 p.m., he bought 7.5 liters of gasoline at a fuel station in Mandurriao.

At 8:19 p.m., he was seen hailing a Grab car from Barangay Hibao-an, Mandurriao.

At 8:27 p.m., he got off near a convenience store at GT Town Center in Pavia.

At 8:52 p.m., he was seen walking alone at the entrance of Green Meadows Subdivision.

Presquito said there were reports that Barbasa stayed outside his former girlfriend’s house inside the subdivision.

He apparently did not inform her of his presence, police said.

Shortly after leaving his friend’s house, Barbasa allegedly sent his friend a message saying he would go on “DND,” or “do not disturb,” for a week.

He also assured his friend that he would come back stronger.

Hours later, a charred body was found at Green Meadows Subdivision.

Police said they are continuing the investigation while awaiting the results of confirmatory forensic tests.