⚠️ Warning: Disturbing content
TACLOBAN, Philippines – A horrifying tragedy has rocked Leyte after Akini Arradaza, a former Miss Matag-ob, was found dead, naked, and bound in the seawaters of Barangay 99-Diit, Tacloban City on August 4, days after she was abducted by armed men.
Police confirmed the 24-year-old was the woman seen in CCTV footage being forcibly taken by three unidentified armed suspects on July 31 in Barangay Valencia, Ormoc City. She was shoved into a black vehicle, which then drove off in the direction of Kananga, Leyte.
Body Found Floating, Hands and Feet Bound
According to reports from Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8), her bloated body was discovered by a fisherman, following a tip from a fellow fisherman in Barangay 94-Tigbao. The body had drifted and was later brought ashore with the help of the Tacloban City Fishery Law Enforcement Team and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
The gruesome details of the discovery have left even seasoned investigators shaken:
- The victim was naked, in an advanced bloated state
- Her tongue was protruding, eyes bulging
- She was tied at the neck, wrists, and ankles with what appeared to be a single hammock rope
- A black cloth covered her face, wrapped tightly with blue duct tape
Police also noted distinct tattoos on her right abdomen and back, which helped confirm her identity alongside verification by her relatives at the funeral home.
Victim Identified: Akini Arradaza
News5’s Frontline Pilipinas identified the victim as Akini Arradaza, a former beauty queen known for being crowned Miss Matag-ob in previous local pageants. Friends and family described her as vibrant, ambitious, and deeply involved in community events.
“Nasa bloated state na po ito, hubad, ‘yung dila nakalabas, mukha balot ng itim na tela at duct tape,” said Shenna Layog, acting station commander of Tacloban City Police Station 2.
Investigation Ongoing, Vehicle Still Missing
Police have launched an intensive manhunt to track down the vehicle used in the abduction. While leads are being pursued, authorities have not yet identified the motive or the suspects behind the heinous killing.
Investigators believe the manner of death suggests possible torture and premeditated murder.
