SUYO, Ilocos Sur — Police have collected DNA sample from a woman, which will be eventually be compared to that from skeletal remains that were found in a remote area here, that authorities said could be her child who has been missing since 2020.

The Suyo Municipal Police Station collected the DNA sample from the claimant, a resident of Peñarrubia, Abra, after she came forward following the discovery of skeletal remains beside the creek in Sitio Kinapian, Barangay Suyo Proper on Thursday, August 27.

The woman told investigators that clothing recovered with the remains resembled garments she had bought for her child’s sibling.

Police Major Godofredo Ribuyaco said DNA testing is now underway to determine whether the remains are linked to the claimant and finally establish the victim’s identity.

Authorities are also investigating the possibility that the victim may have been swept away and carried to the area by strong floodwaters during heavy rains.

The discovery has also raised questions about how the remains could have ended up in the remote Ilocos Sur town, more than 100 kilometers from Peñarrubia, Abra.

Police appealed to families with missing relatives to submit DNA samples and provide information that could help solve the mystery surrounding the skeletal remains.