Headless body of pilot identified

Major Neil Tumaneng PHOTO/PAF

MANILA, Philippines – The headless body wearing a Philippine Air Force flight suit that was recovered near La Monja Island between Corregidor and Mariveles has been identified.

“The human remains were duly processed by the PNP SOCO (Philippine national Police Scene of the Crime Operatives) and post mortem examination reveals it to be that of Major Neil Tumaneng,” said Air Force spokesman Colonel Miguel Ernesto Okol.

“He is now in a certified funeral parlor pending identification of relatives. Further details will follow as soon as his remains have been processed. Full military honors will be accorded at Villamor Air Base as soon as his body arrives,” he added.

Meanwhile, the PAF is still continuing the search for Lieutenant Michael Arugay, who remains missing.

Tumaneng and Arugay were the pilots of a trainer craft that crashed in Mariveles, Bataan three months ago.

Citing initial reports, PCG Commander Vice Admiral Edmund Tan said Tumaneng cadaver was in advanced state of decomposition when it was fished out by a fisherman aboard F/Bca Bakery Sunday.