BANGUED, Abra – The body of a man reported missing while gathering ‘’abal-abal,’’ a seasonal delicacy in this province, was found floating on the Abra River in Barangay Mabungtot, Langiden, Abra, on Monday, June 8.
Police identified the victim as Juder “Pute” Pemado, a resident of Arellano St., Zone 4, Bangued, Abra.
Pemado was reported missing on Friday night, June 5, after he failed to return home from Barangay Quilliat, Langiden to gather abal-abal, locally known as June beetles or June bugs.
His family appealed for information regarding his whereabouts through social media and community networks.
After several days of searching, Pemado’s body was discovered in a section of the Abra River in Barangay Mabungtot.
Abal-abals are reddish-brown insects that emerge during the onset of the rainy season and are considered a sought-after seasonal delicacy in Abra and neighboring provinces. Residents often gather the insects at night on riverbanks and floodplains during the brief harvesting season.
Residents believe Pemado may have been swept away by the strong river current while attempting to cross the river after gathering abal-abal.
Follow-up investigation is ongoing.