ORMOC CITY– Authorities have launched an investigation into the death of an active-duty member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) whose body was found floating in a creek alongside his motorcycle in Barangay Diaz on Thursday morning, May 28.
The victim, identified only as alias “Sgt. Sonny,” 39, married, and a resident of Barangay Sto. Niño, was discovered at around 8:30 a.m. in a creek beside an unfinished section of road along the national highway.
According to the Gandara Municipal Police Station, a concerned resident identified as alias “Rendo” alerted authorities through a cellphone call after finding the body.
Police said the witness had been checking caution lines and warning signs installed near the unfinished road when he noticed that some of the barriers appeared disturbed. Upon inspecting the nearby creek, he discovered a lifeless body floating face down in the water.
Responding officers immediately proceeded to the scene to verify the report and conduct an initial investigation.
With the assistance of personnel from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the victim’s body was retrieved from the creek.
Investigators observed a deep laceration on the victim’s forehead. A motorcycle believed to have been driven by the victim was also found submerged in the creek.
Authorities likewise recovered the victim’s belt bag containing personal belongings, jewelry, and his issued firearm.
The victim was initially identified through an identification card recovered at the scene and was later positively identified by his brother-in-law.
Police are currently reviewing available CCTV footage and gathering additional evidence to determine whether the incident was the result of an accident or if foul play may have been involved.
The investigation remains ongoing.
(ROBERT DEJON)
