Authorities in Cebu made a grim discovery on the afternoon of December 29, 2025, when they recovered the decomposing body of an elderly woman in Carcar City.
Discovery of the Deceased
The Carcar City Police Station received a report from a concerned citizen at 2:50 PM on December 29, 2025. The call led them to Sityo Lower Tawog in Barangay Valladolid. Upon arrival, responders found the body of a woman in an advanced state of decomposition. The victim was reportedly coughing before her death, was not wearing any upper clothing, and the body had already begun to emit an odor.
Identity and Circumstances
The victim was identified as Amelita Cebuano, 63 years old. Although originally from Tuburan City, she was temporarily residing in the area in Carcar. Her identity was confirmed by a close friend who recognized the pants she was wearing and a ring on her left finger, as her facial features were no longer distinguishable.
Investigation revealed that Cebuano suffered from tuberculosis (TB) and had been in and out of the hospital prior to the incident. Authorities preliminarily believe her illness was the cause of death. She lived with another senior citizen who has Alzheimer's disease. The pair were known to beg for alms in the vicinity and had no known immediate family in the area.
Response and Disposition
Due to the health risk posed by the decomposing body to neighbors, personnel from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) swiftly secured the scene. The remains were placed in a body bag for proper disposition and transfer to a funeral home.
This tragic incident highlights the vulnerabilities faced by some elderly and indigent members of the community, particularly those without familial support and battling serious illnesses.
