A man who was reported missing after his motorcycle was found abandoned on Palattao Bridge in Naguilian, Isabela, was discovered lifeless in a river.
Naguilian Police Administrative Officer PLt. Marisol Pelagio confirmed in an interview with Bombo Radyo Cauayan that two witnesses first reported the unattended motorcycle, which was still running, on the bridge.
Out of curiosity, the witnesses checked the motorcycle’s utility box and found identification linking it to the owner.
The next day, the Ilagan City Police Station received a report about a floating body in the river in Barangay Pilar, City of Ilagan.
The victim was wearing a blue violet raincoat, a t-shirt, and pants when discovered.
Verification with the family confirmed the body as John Mark Baquiran Soriano, a 26-year-old resident of Barangay Bangag, City of Ilagan.
Soriano was last reported missing on December 15 after leaving his motorcycle and personal belongings, including cellphones, keys, and his wallet, abandoned on Palattao Bridge.
The victim’s wife, Joy Mariano Adolfo, initially posted on social media appealing for help after Soriano failed to return home despite leaving for work at 4 a.m.
The motorcycle was discovered around 5 a.m., but Soriano was nowhere to be found in the area.
Later, the family received the devastating news confirming his death.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances leading to Soriano’s death and his discovery in the river.