By CESAR JOLITO III

Authorities are investigating the discovery of a decomposing body of an unidentified woman found in a grassy vacant lot at Purok Mars in Bacolod City’s Barangay Singcang-Airport on Sunday afternoon, December 28.

Police Station 8 chief Captain Greeky Cayao said the remains were discovered at around 1:00 p.m. by a streetlight installer who noticed a foul odor while searching for a secluded area near the site.

Upon checking, the man found a lifeless body lying in the lot and immediately alerted authorities.

Initial police assessment showed the woman was wearing a dark brown shirt and black skinny jeans and was estimated to be in her 40s.

No identification documents were found on her.

Cayao said investigators did not find signs of a struggle or foul play at the scene.

Aside from several empty sacks located near the body, no other significant items were recovered, prompting police to consider the possibility that the victim may have been a scavenger who frequented the area.

Based on the condition of the remains, police believe the woman may have been dead for more than a week.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

As of press time, no missing person reports matching the victim’s description have been filed with Police Station 8.

Authorities also said the woman may not be a resident of the area.

Police are urging anyone with information that could help identify the victim to coordinate with the nearest police station as the investigation continues./CJ, WDJ