ORMOC CITY-A 50-year-old construction worker was found dead in an irrigation canal in Barangay Kiling, Tanauan, Leyte on Friday afternoon, May 1, authorities said.
Police identified the victim as alias “Jose,” a married resident of the barangay. His body was discovered around 5:40 p.m., partially submerged in the canal.
According to the Tanauan Municipal Police Station, officers responded to a report from a concerned citizen who called to report the discovery of what appeared to be a dead body. Upon arrival, police found the victim motionless and unresponsive in the waterway.
Initial investigation revealed that the victim was last seen alive around 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, at a sari-sari store, where he had been drinking and was reportedly intoxicated. He did not return home afterward.
The victim was examined at the scene and declared dead by a physician from the Rural Health Unit.
Authorities requested assistance from the Regional Forensic Unit 8 Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) to process the area and conduct a post-mortem examination. Scene processing was completed at around 7:55 p.m. the same day.
Based on initial findings, investigators said there were no signs of foul play in the victim’s death.
The body was later brought to a local funeral service facility for proper disposition.
(ROBERT DEJON)
