MANILA — On Thursday afternoon, the body of an unnamed woman was found in a plastic drum on the side of a ravine along Marcos Highway in Antipolo City.

The Antipolo police reported that at approximately 1:14 p.m., they were informed by onlookers that a human foot was observed protruding from a sack inside a drum in Sitio Cabading, Brgy. San Jose.

Police responded right away and confirmed the body’s presence.

The victim is thought to be in her 20s, stands between 4’11” and 5’0″, and has several body tattoos, including a little tattoo on her left arm, a red butterfly on her right thigh, and a snake on her left thigh.

While the inquiry is ongoing, Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) will inspect the location and the remains.

When the drum was opened, police confirmed that it contained the lifeless body of an adult female, already in an advanced state of decomposition. Investigators said the victim had not yet been identified as of Wednesday, and no personal documents were recovered at the scene.

The body was brought to a funeral facility for autopsy and forensic examination to determine the cause of death and estimate how long the remains had been in the ravine. Police have not yet confirmed whether foul play is involved, but the manner in which the body was disposed of suggests a possible homicide.

Investigators are also checking missing persons reports in Antipolo and nearby cities to help establish the victim’s identity.

Residents were shocked as well as frightened by the discovery; some claimed that although the ravine is frequently used for trash disposal, they never anticipated something so gruesome.

The public was reassured by local officials that they are closely collaborating with law enforcement to maintain community safety and that patrols will be boosted in the region.