LOCAL police have opened a full-scale investigation following the discovery of a missing Parañaque resident found dead inside a refrigerator at a rented apartment in Barangay San Jose, Rodriguez, Rizal, on Wednesday morning, Sept. 16.
The victim was initially identified as “Freya Gabriel Cruz” through documents found at the scene.
However, police later determined the identification cards were fake. The deceased was subsequently identified by her father as “Annie,” 30, a resident of Parañaque City who had been reported missing to the Parañaque Police Station on Sept. 8.
According to preliminary reports, the apartment owner first attempted to contact the victim on Sept. 10 to sign a lease contract.
After receiving no response over consecutive days, the landlord returned on Sept. 16 alongside a local business owner.
Upon detecting a strong, foul odor emanating from the unit, they immediately alerted local law enforcement.
Responding officers entered the apartment at around 9:00 a.m. and discovered the victim’s body hidden inside a refrigerator.
Initial findings by the Rizal Provincial Forensic Unit indicated that the body was in an advanced state of decomposition.
Forensic examiners noted external injuries around the neck, alongside a rope used to bind the victim, suggesting strangulation.
The body has been submitted for a formal medico-legal examination to determine the exact cause and time of death.
Investigators reported that the interior of the apartment was found in disarray. A damaged mobile phone belonging to the victim—bearing signs of being struck by a heavy object—was recovered from the scene.
The Rodriguez Police, in coordination with the Rizal Provincial Forensic Unit, have launched dragnet operations, conducted witness interviews, and are reviewing surrounding CCTV footage to identify potential suspects.
Investigators are currently tracing the victim’s final activities, identifying recent contacts, and examining who had access to the property.
No official suspects or motives have been named as the investigation remains ongoing.
