ORMOC CITY— A 61-year-old laborer who went out to gather firewood was found dead in a fishpond on Saturday evening, August 9, in Sitio Lawis, Barangay Candadam, Baybay City.
Police identified the victim only as “Sam,” a resident of the same barangay.
According to Baybay City Police Sub-Station 1, the victim left his home at around 8 a.m. to collect firewood but did not return by afternoon, prompting concern from his family.
At about 6:30 p.m., a neighbor spotted the victim floating lifeless in the middle of a fishpond, caught in the roots of a mangrove tree. Family members rushed to the scene and confirmed his identity.
Police said the family believed the victim drowned while attempting to cross the fishpond on his way home. They also told investigators that he had no known enemies in the community.
The Leyte Provincial Forensic Unit processed the scene and found no indications of foul play. The victim’s remains were taken to a local funeral home for post-mortem examination.
(ROBERT DEJON)
