ILIGAN CITY – Seven suspected "salvage" or summary execution victims were found in a shallow grave in Sitio Lapao, Barangay Karkum, Sapad, Lanao del Norte on Sunday, January 7.

SEVEN bodies were dug up in a shallow grave in Sapad, Lanao del Norte over the weekend. (Sapad Municipal Police Station photo)
Responding to a report from a concerned citizen, Sapad Municipal Police Station chief Police Major Alibsar P. Daraba, accompanied by the military and Sapad Municipal Health Officer, searched the area and found a fresh mound.
Municipal Health Officer Dr. Rowena Agarrado ordered an excavation and seven cadavers – four males and three females – were discovered.
Three of them were identified – Joselito Tibud Gaviola, 54, of Islamic Sangali, Zamboanga City; Elvi Gaviola Legara, 43, of Purok Dama de Noche, Poblacion, Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur, and Marly Cabalan Gaviola, 50, of Sangali, Zamboanga City.
The bodies were brought to Saint Michael's Funeral Homes in Barangay Curvada, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte for a post-mortem examination.
The Scene-of-the-Crime Operatives (SOCO) processed the crime scene.
Lawman are conducting follow-up investigation.