TINEG, Abra — A three-day search for two young brothers in the mountainous areas of Tineg, Abra, has ended in tragedy after rescuers found the body of 9-year-old Octavious—while the search for his younger brother, Markcliff, continues.
Octavious was found at around 11 a.m. in the Mt. Mabitog area of Sitio Asilip, Barangay Caganayan, during an ongoing search-and-rescue operation involving local responders, authorities, relatives and community volunteers.
His remains were subsequently brought to the family’s residence as authorities continued documenting the incident.
The brothers had reportedly been missing for nearly three days after failing to return home. A family member sought help on September 3, prompting local authorities and residents to organize search operations across the difficult mountainous terrain.
Conflicting reports clarified
The case initially generated confusion after some early reports stated that both brothers had been found dead in the mountains.
The Tineg Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC), however, later clarified that only Octavious had been recovered and that Markcliff remains missing.
Search, retrieval and rescue operations have therefore continued, with responders and volunteers scouring the mountainous area and nearby waterways in an effort to locate the younger boy.
The clarification is significant because both Pilipino Star Ngayon and Daily Tribune initially reported that the two brothers had been found dead. Those reports were published before the subsequent clarification from the local disaster management authorities.
Difficult terrain adds challenge to search
The search is taking place in a rugged mountainous portion of Tineg, where responders must navigate difficult terrain and waterways.
The broader Abra area has also recently experienced weather-related hazards. The Philippine Information Agency reported that thousands of families across the province were affected by flooding and landslides following persistent rains associated with the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, enhanced by Tropical Cyclone Pilandok.
Earlier, the Inquirer reported that the Tineg-Malanas River and other waterways in Abra were swelling amid continued rains, with residents near rivers and mountain slopes warned about the risks of flash floods and landslides.
Authorities have not yet released details establishing the circumstances or cause of Octavious’ death.
For now, the priority remains finding Markcliff.
Local responders and volunteers continue to search the mountainous area, while the MDRRMC has appealed for continued support and prayers as the operation moves forward.
The family’s search is not over. One child has been brought home, but another remains missing in the mountains of Abra.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.D
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