DNA TEST UNDERWAY TO CONFIRM IF BODY FOUND IN PULANGI RIVER IS MISSING BUKIDNON HIKER ALKHRAJ ZAMAYLA

Authorities are awaiting the results of a DNA examination that could finally determine whether the body recovered from the Pulangi River in the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (SGA-BARMM) is that of missing Bukidnon hiker Alkhraj Zamayla, who disappeared during a trek on Mt. Kalatungan more than a month ago.

The Police Regional Office-10 (Northern Mindanao) confirmed that the Philippine National Police Forensic Group conducted a DNA cross-matching examination using a sample from one of Zamayla's siblings and the remains recovered on July 14, 2026, in Sitio Minanga, Barangay Nabundas, Malidegao.

The DNA examination was requested by Zamayla's family to establish the identity of the recovered cadaver after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the hiker's disappearance.

Family raises doubts

Despite the recovery, Zamayla's relatives expressed doubts that the body belongs to him.

According to the family, several physical characteristics did not match Alkhraj, including the body's estimated height, the clothing it was wearing, and an accessory found with the remains that they said he never used.

Because of these discrepancies, the family insisted on DNA testing before any conclusion could be made.

Authorities emphasized that the identity of the recovered body has not yet been confirmed, and the DNA analysis remains the most reliable method to determine whether the remains are indeed those of the missing hiker.

Missing since June trek

Zamayla has been missing since June 12, 2026, after joining a hiking expedition to Mt. Kalatungan, one of the highest peaks in Mindanao located within the Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park in Bukidnon.

His disappearance prompted an extensive search involving the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, local government units, disaster response teams, park rangers, volunteer mountaineers, and members of indigenous communities.

Despite weeks of search operations across the mountain's rugged terrain, authorities were unable to locate Zamayla until a body was later discovered downstream in the Pulangi River.

Police await forensic confirmation

Police said they will refrain from making any official identification until the DNA examination is completed.

PRO-10 spokesperson Major Joann Navarro also appealed to the public to continue providing credible information that could help investigators.

She added that Zamayla's family is offering a ₱100,000 reward to anyone who can provide information that may help clarify the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

As of now, authorities continue to await the forensic results, which are expected to provide definitive answers to the family and investigators after weeks of uncertainty.