Remains of man lost since 2016 found in Cebu construction site

MANILA, Philippines — A man who last seen seven years ago was finally discovered in a construction site after family members identified the alleged skeletal remains of Jolan Tapales, alongside the latter's belongings.

According to a report by GMA News TV's "Balitang Bisdak," the said skeletal remains were reported to the police after being recovered in  Sitio Upper Lipata, Barangay Linao in Minglanilla.

"Initial investigation conducted, base on the account of the Backhoe Operator, Ruel Mondrano, that he was operating the excavator when at a depth of 1.2 meters nto the excavation, he noticed a jersey," according to a spot report from Minglanilla Police Station.

"After further excavation, he uncovered a human skeleton, which he identified based on its size, shape, and the presence of a skull."

"In addition to the skeleton, several items were recovered from the site, including a jersey with the name 'Tapales,' striped boxer shorts, a wristband, a face towel, and a black belt."

Saturnina Tapales immediately went to see the remains after its discovery and confirmed that they belonged to his son Jolan, who was 24-years-old when he went missing.

The mother said that Jolan failed to go home to their residence in Barangay Maghaway in Talisay City back in 2016.

The Minglanilla Police through its officer-in-charge PCapt. Kelvin Jomari Golitod earlier assured the proper handling and transfer of the human skeleton to the bone chamber unit within the Public Cemetery in Poblacion Ward III, Minglanilla, Cebu.