A human skull was found at a mountainous area of Barangay Balubal, Cagayan de Oro City on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Authorities said the caretaker of a property in Zone 5 found the human skull while clearing grass.

According to a barangay councilor who was among the first responders, they also found clothing believed to belong to the owner of the skull.

“Pero nabulag na siya sir nabulag na ang ulo diri nga part dayun iyang ribs dinhi pud nga side then naa iyahang jacket nga itom, naa iyang sleeveless nga checkered then naa pud timailhan nga usa siya ka lalaki kay naa’y brief nga nakita didto sa maong area,” Barangay Balubal Councilor Reynante Razalo said.

A family has come forward claiming that they lost a male relative who went missing in February.

“Ingon siya nga posible nga mao to ang iyang manghod kay na-identify niya ang jacket. Sumala sa iyang ingon sa among pagpangutana nga unsa kaha ang posibleng timailhan nga posible nga imo ning igsuon ingon siya kagawad kaning jacket nga akong nakita inisyal ni nga ako sa i-confirm sab sa akong mga manghod,” Razalo added.

Police recovered the skull and turned it over for forensic examination.

Authorities are determining whether the cause of the individual's death can still be established and whether the remains belong to the person who was previously reported missing in Barangay Balubal.

“As to identity sa maong human remains ato pa kining dalaon sa crime lab mag-request ta og application of human skeletal remains kay tungod dili naman gyud nato ma-identify ang maong bungo and then naa pud mga other nga sanina nga narekober nato,” Puerto Police Station Chief, Major Amier Naifh Maruhom, said.

Authorities are investigating the incident and urging anyone with information to come forward and coordinate with authorities.