MANILA, Philippines — Pasig police have ruled out foul play in the death of a missing Grade 9 student, saying evidence points to self-harm rather than criminal involvement. The 15-year-old girl, identified as Isabelle Sophia Tablate, was found dead five days after she was reported missing.

Tablate was last seen on March 18 leaving a mall in Marikina City before heading toward a dark lot near the Light Rail Transit Line 2 depot. Her body was discovered inside a vacant compound in Barangay Santolan, Pasig, on March 23, 2026.

Pasig City Police officials said initial forensic findings and recovered evidence indicated no third-party involvement. “As established by the recovered evidence, corroborated by the statement of her friends and classmates, and further reports supported by the letters she sent to them, which contain indications of a farewell or goodbye message,” Police Major Loreto Tigno explained. “Furthermore, the autopsy revealed no sign of foul play.”

Investigators confirmed that Tablate had purchased a nylon rope from a hardware store in Marikina, the same type found at the scene. Police Colonel Hendrix Mangaldan, Pasig City Police Chief, said, “After a thorough forensic and backtrack investigation, we found no indication of third-party involvement. The evidence suggests this was a tragic case of self-harm, not a criminal act committed by someone else.”

Friends and classmates told police that Tablate had sent farewell messages before her disappearance, which reinforced investigators’ conclusion. Crime scene operatives also noted there were no signs of violence or struggle.

The case has drawn public attention, with parents and educators calling for stronger mental health support systems in schools. Authorities stressed the importance of counseling and awareness programs to help prevent similar tragedies.

Pasig police said they will continue to coordinate with social workers and the Department of Education to provide assistance to Tablate’s family and classmates. The incident underscores the urgent need for mental health interventions among Filipino youth, especially as cases of self-harm and depression rise nationwide.