Aspiring teacher who climbed Mt. Manghilao to pray for October LET found lifeless in the forest

Maria Sofia Olaguir was found dead in the forest of Mt. Manghilao


MANILA, Philippines – An aspiring teacher who climbed Mt. Manghilao in Danao City and didn’t return home was found lifeless in a ditch in the forest on Sunday, October 2.

Maria Sofia Olaguir was found dead in the forest of Mt. Manghilao
Maria Sofia Olaguir was found dead in the forest of Mt. Manghilao after she climbed to pray for her upcoming LET | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Danao- CDRRMO

Maria Sofia Olaguir, a 47-year-old aspiring teacher, climbed Mt. Manghilao in Barangay Masaba, Danao City on Friday, September 30. According to reports, Olaguir went to the mountain’s holy cross to light a candle for her upcoming Licensure Examinations for Teachers (LET). After she didn’t return home, her family reported her missing on October 1.

Olaguir, who graduated from University of the Visayas – Danao City, was one of the examinees in the October 2022 LET – Elementary Level per room assignments released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

A rescue operation was launched on the same day she was reported missing. Danao City’s Search, Rescue, and Retrieval Unit (SRR) worked with the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Special Assistance on Fire and Rescue Inc. (SAFARI) in search of Olaguir.

Two days after Olaguir climbed Mt. Manghilao, her lifeless body was found past midnight on Sunday, October 2. The police confirmed that Olaguir was found dead in a small ditch in Mt. Manghilao’s forest.

Meanwhile, Danao’s City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office expressed its condolences to the bereaved family as they released their latest update on the case.

They stated, “Earlier this morning CDRRMO RESCUE 211 Officially terminated its rescue operation related to a missing person at Mt Manghilao last September 30, 2022. The lifeless victim was found around 12 midnight of October 2, 2022. CDRRMO RESCUE 211 extends our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family.”

The family of Olaguir said she had recently finished her degree in Education and was looking forward to passing the LET. Olaguir’s daughter recalled her mother wearing a yellow t-shirt, black pants, and black sneakers when she left for the holy mountain.

Daisy, one of Olaguir’s daughters, appealed for support and assistance in identifying the suspects responsible for their mother’s death. Writing in Visayan, Daisy wrote on Facebook that they won’t stop until justice is served. Her sibling, Raisa, also sought the assistance of Danao City Mayor Thomas Durano and Senator Raffy Tulfo.

— Sally, The Summit Express