Body of missing cop found in ricefield

PALO, LEYTE, Philippines – Police authorities in McArthur town of Leyte yesterday found the cadaver of Police Officer 1 Hubert Bitas, who was earlier reported by his wife to have been missing since December 25, 2014.

Senior Superintendent Carlo Centenaje said the body of Bitas was found in an inundated ricefield in Barangay Guinmaranat and was believed to have drowned in the flood waters caused by heavy and relentless rains brought about by storm Seniang last week.

"There was no reported foul play in so far as his death is concerned, and according to our records, PO1 Bitas was also facing an AWOL administrative charges," Centanaje said.