7 bodies dug out of shallow grave in Lanao del Norte town

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Police dug seven bodies out of a shallow grave on Sunday, Jan. 7, in Sitio Lapao, Karkum village, about 30 kilometers from the center of Sapad town in Lanao del Norte and in an area that could be accessed only on foot.

Corporal Mark Lester Ganayo of the Sapad police said the Karkum Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team sought help on Sunday when they found a fresh mound in the area they suspected as a mass grave.

With clearance from Sapad municipal health officer Dr. Rowena G. Agarrado, police started digging at noon and ended at 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Police Major Alibsar Daraba, Sapad police chief, identified the bodies as those of Joselito Gaviola, 54; Joselito’s wife, Marly Gaviola, 50; his younger sister Elvie Gaviola Legara, 43; Elvie’s husband, Epifanio Legara; and their three children, Jopay Legara, Jomar Legara and Epifanio Legara Jr.. The victims were all residents of Purok Dama de Noche, Sitio Luguimit, Poblacion Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur.

Ganayo also said they heard gunshots in the distance while the police were digging the bodies. He also said three of the bodies were “hogtied,” but he did not elaborate.

Police Region 10 spokesperson Major Joanne Navarro said in a radio interview that the bodies had gunshots in their heads.

Navarro said that police were still trying to determine the motives behind the killings.

RELATED STORIES

Remains found in shallow graves in Agusan del Norte were …

Lanao Norte mayor’s convoy ambushed; 13 killed