DAVAO CITY – Authorities in Tagum City are intensifying efforts to track down a photographer accused of killing a 17-year-old girl who went missing five years ago.
Police Lt. Col. Wildmar Tui, Tagum City Police Chief, confirmed that documents are being gathered to formally file a case against the suspect, who allegedly murdered and buried the victim, Queenie Grace Arong.
Arong was reported missing by her family on March 4, 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. For five years, her mother continued to search for her, unaware that her daughter had already been buried in a shallow grave.
Her remains were accidentally discovered in July 2024, when a construction worker, while digging for a septic tank, struck what turned out to be a human skull.
During the investigation, Tagum City Police traced social media records and found a missing person’s report from 2020 matching the description of the discovered remains. The victim’s family was then contacted for identification.
The victim’s mother positively identified her daughter based on personal belongings found at the scene, including: a pair of shoes, a wristwatch, and a piece of underwear.
Adding to the evidence, investigators discovered that the towel used to wrap the victim’s remains belonged to the prime suspect, the photographer, strengthening the case against him.
Tui warned the suspect sternly, urging him to surrender and face justice.
“He promised to make her a model, but he killed her instead. There are no more barriers to justice—only the truth remains,” Tui stated.
He further emphasized the case’s urgency: “It’s time for justice to be served. Even the victim’s parents are deeply distraught, and they deserve answers.”
Authorities are currently tracking the suspect’s whereabouts, as efforts to build a solid case continue. The Tagum City Police, in coordination with regional law enforcement units, are determined to locate and arrest the accused photographer.
The public is urged to report information about the suspect to the nearest police station or through Tagum City Police’s hotline.
This case highlights the importance of continued vigilance and the pursuit of justice, no matter how much time has passed.
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
