A fifteen-year-old boy was found dead floating in a river in Punta Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro City, shocking residents.
Authorities identified the victim as Matthew Patrick Lumapas, a Liceo de Cagayan University student who disappeared on December three, according to relatives.
His family reported him missing after he failed to return home, prompting them to seek police help and coordinate with community volunteers immediately.
His aunt stated that they never believed Matthew would attempt suicide, insisting he showed no signs of self-harm or emotional instability lately.
His mother, MJ Fatima Lumapas, cried in grief after authorities recovered her son’s lifeless body along the riverbank near Punta Bonbon.
Police investigators revealed that Matthew was last seen eating inside the school canteen before informing his family he would ride an Angkas motorcycle.
He updated relatives before leaving school, telling them he was heading home, which became his final known communication before going missing.
Authorities are now securing nearby CCTV footage to establish his movements and identify individuals who interacted with him before his disappearance.
Investigators are also determining whether foul play occurred, considering the family’s strong belief their son would never intentionally harm his own life.
Police teams continue searching for possible witnesses who may have seen Matthew’s route home or the motorcycle rider he reportedly hired.
Officials pledged a thorough investigation aiming to uncover the circumstances behind the boy’s death and hold responsible individuals accountable once evidence becomes clear.
