(Photo courtesy of Nueva Vizcaya PPO)
THE charred remains of 19-year-old Elyza Esmeralda, a college student reported missing earlier this week, were discovered on Thursday, Feb. 12, in a remote, grassy area in Barangay Maddiangat, Quezon town, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, according to police reports.
Authorities identified the victim as Elyza Esmeralda, a second-year Tourism Management student at the College of Human Ecology of Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) and a resident of the same village where her body was found.
A couple walking their dog in the area made the grim discovery after their dog began sniffing near a patch of grass. Upon investigation, they found the burned body and immediately notified the barangay chief, who alerted the police.
Police officers and forensic investigators processed the scene, collecting crucial evidence, including hair follicles, footprints, and DNA samples.
Fellow students and a tricycle driver later assisted in identifying the remains as Esmeralda’s, recognizing her pants, shoes, and socks. Esmeralda had been reported missing on Feb. 11. Authorities have confirmed that she suffered a violent death, and an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and death.
