2 of 6 bodies found in Benguet ravine identified

LA TRINIDAD,Benguet – Two from the six bodies retrieved from the bottom of a ravine in Sitio Poyopoy. Tuba, Benguet have been identified by their relatives, police said.

In a media briefing Thursday, Col. Elmer Ragay, Benguet police chief, said one of the remains from those found last Tuesday was identified as Fahad Manan Macalanggan, 28, a resident of Crystal Cave in Baguio City.

He was identified by his father Wahab Dima Macalanggan and sister Sohailyn, through his tattoos, shorts and shoes. Following Muslim tradition, Macalanggan was immediately buried.

The other body, recovered Wednesday, was Kent Charlie Licyayo, 22, of Hingyon, Ifugao, and a resident of Hilltop in Baguio.

He was identified by his mother Joan Licyayo and a girlfriend through his gold earring, silver ring and clothes.

Ragay said Macalinggan and Licyayo knew each other and were last seen together at a bus terminal last Oct. 8.

The autopsy made by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime Laboratory Service revealed that Macalinggan and Licyayo had traumatic injuries on the chest. Ragay said the two could have been beaten up somewhere else and were already dead when they were brought to the ravine. Or they could be still alive and sustained the injuries and died after they were thrown from the cliff’s edge.

Ragay said the four other bodies were too decomposed to be identified.

Two skeletal remains were also found in the ravine.

Ragay said the only way to identify the rest of the remains is through DNA matching.